Civility — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /sə-ˈvi-lə-tē/ ci·vil·i·ty

Meaning & Definition of Civility

Civility (noun)

  1. civilized conduct; especially, courtesy, politeness
  2. a polite act or expression
  3. training in the humanities

Civility (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners

    "after the usual civilities, the parents and the principal had a serious talk about the boy"

    similar: amenity, attention, courtesy, formality, gesture, pleasantry, politeness
    related: honors, ceremony, observance, rite, ritual, decorum, etiquette, form, manners, mores, proprieties, addresses, devoirs, greetings, regards, respects, favor, grace, kindliness, kindness, protocol, rules

  2. speech or behavior that is a sign of good breeding

    "treated people from all walks of life with the same unfailing civility"

    similar: courteousness, courtesy, genteelness, gentility, graciousness, mannerliness, politeness
    related: attentiveness, consideration, thoughtfulness, ceremonialness, ceremoniousness, ceremony, formality, chivalrousness, chivalry, courtliness, gallantry, gentlemanliness, knighthood, knightliness, breeding, manners, suaveness, unctuousness, urbanity, elegance, refinement, deference, respect, decency, decorousness, decorum, gentilesse, polish, politesse, propriety, respectability, seemliness, affability, cordiality, friendliness, geniality, hospitality, sociability, felicitousness, gracefulness, humility, meekness, modesty, shyness
    opposite: discourteousness, discourtesy, impoliteness, incivility, rudeness, surliness, ungraciousness
    near: audaciousness, audacity, boldness, brashness, brassiness, disrespect, impertinence, impudence, insolence, sauciness, shamelessness, boorishness, churlishness, clownishness, loutishness, vulgarity, casualness, informality, delinquency, improperness, impropriety, inappropriateness, incorrectness, indecency, inconsiderateness, inconsideration, thoughtlessness, arrogance, conceit, presumption, pretentiousness

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Civility

The most common words with a similar meaning to Civility:

amenity, attention, courtesy, formality, gesture, pleasantry, politeness, courteousness, genteelness, gentility, graciousness, mannerliness

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Civility

Words with the opposite meaning of Civility:

discourteousness, discourtesy, impoliteness, incivility, rudeness, surliness, ungraciousness

Related Words for Civility

honors, ceremony, observance, rite, ritual, decorum, etiquette, form, manners, mores, proprieties, addresses, devoirs, greetings, regards, respects, favor, grace, kindliness, kindness, protocol, rules, attentiveness, consideration, thoughtfulness, ceremonialness, ceremoniousness, chivalrousness, chivalry, courtliness

Near Antonyms of Civility

audaciousness, audacity, boldness, brashness, brassiness, disrespect, impertinence, impudence, insolence, sauciness, shamelessness, boorishness, churlishness, clownishness, loutishness, vulgarity, casualness, informality, delinquency, improperness, impropriety, inappropriateness, incorrectness, indecency, inconsiderateness, inconsideration, thoughtlessness, arrogance, conceit, presumption

Word Forms of Civility

Inflections: civilities

Origin & Etymology of Civility

First known use: 1533

Frequently Asked Questions about Civility

What does "Civility" mean?

"Civility" means civilized conduct; especially, courtesy, politeness. As a noun, it is defined as: civilized conduct; especially, courtesy, politeness. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Civility"?

Other words for "Civility" include amenity, attention, courtesy, formality, gesture, pleasantry, politeness and courteousness. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Civility" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Civility"?

There are 74 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Civility". Common alternatives include amenity, attention, courtesy, formality, gesture, pleasantry, politeness, courteousness, genteelness and gentility.

What is the opposite of "Civility"?

Antonyms of "Civility" include discourteousness, discourtesy, impoliteness, incivility, rudeness, surliness and ungraciousness. Near antonyms include audaciousness, audacity, boldness and brashness.

How do you use "Civility" in a sentence?

Examples of "Civility" in a sentence: "after the usual civilities, the parents and the principal had a serious talk about the boy"; "treated people from all walks of life with the same unfailing civility".

Is "Civility" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Civility" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Civility"?

"Civility" is pronounced /sə-ˈvi-lə-tē/ and divided into syllables as ci·vil·i·ty.

What is the origin of the word "Civility"?

First known use: 1533.