Civic Meaning

UK /ˈsɪvɪk/
US /ˈsɪvɪk/
Word Definition
civic meaning

Civic Definition & Usage

adjective

Of, relating to, or connected with a city, town, or community, especially in relation to its governance and citizens.

Examples

  • "He was a well-known civic leader in the city, advocating for better public transportation."
  • "The civic center is located in the heart of the downtown area."
  • "The mayor gave a civic address to the citizens on the importance of community involvement."
  • "She participated in the civic event organized by the local government to improve the park."
  • "Civic pride is important for the well-being of any community."
adjective

Relating to the duties, rights, and responsibilities of citizens, especially in a democratic society.

Examples

  • "Voting is a civic duty that every eligible citizen should exercise."
  • "Civic engagement can take many forms, from voting to volunteering."
  • "His civic responsibility to report the issue to authorities was clear."
  • "The city council is responsible for addressing the civic needs of its citizens."
  • "Civic education is a key part of the school curriculum."
adjective

Pertaining to the physical or administrative infrastructure of a city, including public services, utilities, and urban planning.

Examples

  • "The city’s civic infrastructure needs an upgrade to handle the growing population."
  • "Civic buildings like libraries and city halls are critical to a well-functioning municipality."
  • "The civic design of the neighborhood encourages walking and biking instead of driving."
  • "They discussed the civic project to improve public transportation during the meeting."
  • "The civic pride of the citizens was evident in their support for the new community center."

Cultural Context

The term 'civic' is derived from the Latin word 'civicus', which refers to the duties, privileges, and relations of citizens in a community or city. It has been a key concept in democratic societies, especially in the context of citizen participation in governance, urban development, and public service.

The Civic Duty

Story

The Civic Duty

On a sunny Saturday morning, the people of Rivertown gathered at the newly renovated Civic Plaza for a community event. The sound of children laughing echoed through the park as families enjoyed a picnic, while local politicians took turns giving speeches about upcoming civic projects. At the center of it all was Emma, a passionate volunteer who had recently organized the event as part of her efforts to strengthen civic pride in the town. Emma had always believed that strong communities were built on the shoulders of engaged citizens. She was proud to be part of a movement that encouraged civic responsibility, from voting in local elections to helping neighbors in need. As she handed out flyers for a town hall meeting, she overheard a conversation between two older residents discussing how much the civic center had improved the quality of life in Rivertown. "I’m glad the council finally decided to invest in the civic infrastructure," one woman said, admiring the newly constructed benches and fountains. "It’s great to see our taxes being used for the benefit of everyone." Emma smiled, knowing that this was the kind of sentiment she wanted to spread. It wasn’t just about improving the physical aspects of the city; it was about fostering a sense of community, of belonging. That afternoon, Emma was invited to speak at the town hall, where she shared her vision for a more interconnected and civically engaged community. As she stood at the podium, Emma reflected on the true meaning of 'civic'. It wasn’t just about participating in local government; it was about embracing the shared responsibility to care for and improve the place where you lived. "Together, we can build a city we’re proud of," she said, looking out at the crowd of eager faces. The applause that followed was not just for her efforts, but for the collective spirit of the town. As the event drew to a close, Emma’s thoughts turned to the next steps. There was much work to be done, but she knew that Rivertown was ready for it. Civic duty, after all, was more than a job—it was a privilege. And with every citizen involved, the future looked bright.

The Civic Duty