Civil Meaning
Civil Definition & Usage
Relating to polite, respectful behavior, especially in public or formal settings.
Examples
- "She gave a civil response to the awkward question, maintaining her composure."
- "It's important to remain civil during debates, even when disagreements arise."
- "His civil demeanor made him well-liked at social gatherings."
- "They had a civil conversation despite their differing opinions."
- "Though they disagreed on many topics, they kept their discussion civil and respectful."
Relating to the rights and duties of citizens and the organization of society.
Examples
- "He decided to study civil law to better understand citizens' rights."
- "Civil rights activists played a key role in the social movements of the 1960s."
- "The civil service offers a range of career opportunities in public administration."
- "Civil disobedience can be a powerful tool in challenging unjust laws."
- "She filed a civil lawsuit to claim compensation for the damages caused."
Not involving the military; relating to ordinary citizens or non-combatant affairs.
Examples
- "The civil government took control after the military coup."
- "The civil conflict in the country led to widespread suffering among the population."
- "He was a civil engineer before he joined the army."
- "After years of military service, he returned to civilian life."
- "The civil authorities coordinated the emergency response after the disaster."
Cultural Context
The word 'civil' has multiple meanings rooted in social, legal, and military contexts. In many cases, it denotes behavior that aligns with societal norms of respect and order. Historically, it has also been linked to the functioning of governments and citizens' rights. In modern usage, 'civil' is often applied to formal, polite conduct in both social and professional situations.
A Civil Resolution
Story
A Civil Resolution
At a community meeting in the small town of Fairview, two neighbors, Alice and Bob, stood on opposite sides of a heated debate. The issue at hand was the construction of a new park that would take over part of the local greenbelt. Alice, an environmental advocate, argued passionately about preserving natural spaces, while Bob, a local businessman, spoke about the benefits of the park for the town’s economy and tourism. Despite their differing opinions, both Alice and Bob were determined to keep the conversation civil. As the evening progressed, they both leaned into the importance of respecting the other's perspective. Alice started by acknowledging Bob's concerns about economic growth, and Bob, in turn, admitted that he understood the value of maintaining green spaces for the community's well-being. “It’s important to remain civil, even when we disagree,” Alice said, her voice calm but firm. “We need to find a middle ground that works for everyone.” Bob nodded. “I agree. I think we can make this work, but only if we focus on keeping things civil. There’s no point in turning this into a fight. We’re all in this together.” By the end of the evening, the two of them had come to a tentative compromise—one that would allow for both development and preservation. Their civil discussion, though tough at times, proved that even the most contentious debates could be resolved with respect and a willingness to listen. In the weeks that followed, the town council adopted their proposal, and the new park was built with careful consideration of the environment. Alice and Bob, though still passionate about their beliefs, remained friends, and their civil discourse set a model for future community discussions.
Related Words
