What does "civil" mean?
Having to do with people and government office as opposed to the military or religion.
Civil
/ˈsɪv.əl/ adj, name
adj, name ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Having to do with people and government office as opposed to the military or religion.
- Grammar: civil is listed as adj, name.
- Nearest alternatives: polite, absolute, accommodating, affable.
- Useful contrasts: abusive, abusive language, brattier.
- Usage evidence: The novel is centered on the Civil War.
How to use "civil"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "civil" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "civil" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "civil" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "civil" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "civil" is acting as adj, name in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "polite" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "civil", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Adjective
- 1 Having to do with people and government office as opposed to the military or religion. not-comparable
"She went into civil service because she wanted to help the people."
- 2 Behaving in a reasonable or polite manner; avoiding displays of hostility. comparable
"It was very civil of him to stop the argument."
- 3 In a peaceful and well-ordered state. archaic
"Herein thou haſt done good ſeruice to thy country: VVere all inhumaine ſlaues ſo ſerued as he, England would be ciuill, and from all ſuch dealings free."
- 4 Relating to private relations among citizens, as opposed to criminal matters.
"a civil case"
- 5 Secular.
"As if our Saviour had said, No man can enter into heaven except he be born again; so as he speaketh not only of notorious Sinners, as Adulterers, Drunkards, Swearers, & c. but of all who are in their natural condition, tho' they live never so unblameably, free from scandalous sins, if they be not born again, their civil Righteousness will do them little good, for they shall never see the Kingdom of God."
Adjective
- 1 of or in a condition of social order wordnet
- 2 not rude; marked by satisfactory (or especially minimal) adherence to social usages and sufficient but not noteworthy consideration for others wordnet
- 3 (of divisions of time) legally recognized in ordinary affairs of life wordnet
- 4 applying to ordinary citizens as contrasted with the military wordnet
- 5 of or relating to or befitting citizens as individuals wordnet
Show 1 more definition
- 6 of or occurring within the state or between or among citizens of the state wordnet
Proper Noun
- 1 A surname.
Example
"The novel is centered on the Civil War."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "civil"?
Common synonyms include: polite, absolute, accommodating, affable, agreeable, amiable.
How do you use "civil" in a sentence?
The novel is centered on the Civil War.
How do you pronounce "civil"?
Pronounced /ˈsɪv.əl/.
Etymology
From Middle English cyvyl, civil, borrowed from Old French civil, from Latin cīvīlis (“relating to a citizen”), from cīvis (“citizen”). Cognate with Old English hīwen (“household”), hīrǣden (“family”). More at hind; hird.