civility

noun

ci·​vil·​i·​ty sə-ˈvi-lə-tē 

plural civilities

1

a

: civilized conduct

especially : courtesy, politeness

bemoaned the decline of civility in our politics

b

: a polite act or expression

lacked the little civilities and hypocrisies of political society

—Roy Jenkins

The men briefly exchanged civilities before the meeting began.

2

archaic : training in the humanities

Synonyms

• amenity
• attention
• courtesy
• formality
• gesture
• pleasantry
• politeness

Examples of civility in a Sentence

They greeted each other with the usual exchange of civilities.

after the usual civilities, the parents and the principal had a serious talk about the boy

Recent Examples on the Web

In a place where conducting yourself with the bare minimum of civility and decent behavior is notable, almost remarkable? —Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 6 Nov. 2024

His campaign carried the implicit hope for Democrats that while Trump may have changed politics for the time being, defeating him would bring back a measure of civility in a nation that increasingly appeared to have long moved past wanting such courtesy. —Hunter Woodall, CBS News, 25 Nov. 2024

Rell made her comments on stage at the University of Hartford during a one-hour conversation with Gov. Ned Lamont on civility in politics. —Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 21 Nov. 2024

Political discussions — with civility — are encouraged, and independents and Republicans are invited, too. —Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see civil

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

civility

noun

ci·​vil·​i·​ty sə-ˈvil-ət-ē 

plural civilities

1

: civilized conduct

especially : courtesy sense 1, politeness

2

: a polite act or expression