civil

Everyday

1. Polite in a formal way, but not especially friendly: he gave a civil reply. tree →
2. To do with ordinary people (citizens), not the army or the church: civil life, civil wedding. tree →
3. Inside one country, between its own people: a civil war. tree →
4. Civil rights: the rights every citizen should have, such as being treated equally. tree →
5. (law) To do with private disagreements between people, not crimes: a civil case. tree →

In the lessons

In history lessons civil wars (England, the USA, Ireland) and the civil rights movement are key topics. In citizenship lessons civil rights and the civil service appear. In everyday life "be civil" means at least be polite. Phrases: civil war, civil rights, civil servant, civil engineer, keep a civil tongue.

Examples

• Even when they argue, they try to stay civil. tree →
• The American Civil War was fought between the northern and southern states. tree →
• Martin Luther King worked for civil rights. tree →
• A civil engineer designs bridges and roads. tree →
• They had a civil wedding at the town hall. tree →
• Mum works as a civil servant for the government. tree →
• "You are a good and civil boy," said the mayor. tree →

Note

Adverb: civilly; noun: civility (politeness). Related: civilian, civilisation. "Civil" politeness is basic, not warm. Opposite of civil (polite): rude; of civil (not military): military.