CIVIL


Meaning of CIVIL in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ ˈsi-vəl ]

adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin civilis, from civis

Date: 14th century

1.

a. : of or relating to citizens

b. : of or relating to the state or its citizenry

civil strife

2.

a. : civilized

civil society

b. : adequate in courtesy and politeness : mannerly

a civil question

3.

a. : of, relating to, or based on civil law

b. : relating to private rights and to remedies sought by action or suit distinct from criminal proceedings

c. : established by law

4. : of, relating to, or involving the general public, their activities, needs, or ways, or civic affairs as distinguished from special (as military or religious) affairs

5. of time : based on the mean sun and legally recognized for use in ordinary affairs

Synonyms:

civil , polite , courteous , gallant , chivalrous mean observant of the forms required by good breeding. civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness

owed the questioner a civil reply

polite commonly implies polish of speech and manners and sometimes suggests an absence of cordiality

if you can't be pleasant, at least be polite

courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness

clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers

gallant and chivalrous imply courteous attentiveness especially to women. gallant suggests spirited and dashing behavior and ornate expressions of courtesy

a gallant suitor of the old school

chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior

a chivalrous display of duty

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.