civility

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Pronunciation

• (British) IPA: /sɪ.ˈvɪ.lɪ.ti/

Noun

civility

1. Speech or behaviour that is fit for civil interactions; politeness, courtesy. [from 16th c.]

   • The insolent civility of a proud man is, if possible, more shocking than his rudeness could be.

2. (chiefly, in plural) An individual act or expression of polite behaviour; a courtesy. [from 17th c.]
   • 1748, Samuel Richardson, Clarissa, I.3:

     Mr Lovelace received from every one those civilities which were due to his birth […].

3. (now, archaic) The state or fact of being civilized; civilization. [from 16th c.]

   • Monarchies have risen from barbarism to civility, and fallen again to ruin.

4. (obsolete) A civil office; a civil capacity. [16th c.]

   • To serve in a civility.

Translations

• French: politesse
• German: Anstand, Höflichkeit, Verbindlichkeit
• Italian: civiltà
• Portuguese: civilidade
• Russian: ве́жливость
• Spanish: civismo, civilidad

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