Civil Definition & Meaning

civil
adjective
  1. applying to ordinary citizens as contrasted with the military; "civil authorities"
  2. not rude; marked by satisfactory (or especially minimal) adherence to social usages and sufficient but not noteworthy consideration for others; "even if he didn't like them he should have been civil"- W.S. Maugham
  3. of or occurring within the state or between or among citizens of the state; "civil affairs"; "civil strife"; "civil disobedience"; "civil branches of government"
  4. of or relating to or befitting citizens as individuals; "civil rights"; "civil liberty"; "civic duties"; "civic pride"
  5. (of divisions of time) legally recognized in ordinary affairs of life; "the civil calendar"; "a civil day begins at mean midnight"
  6. of or in a condition of social order; "civil peoples"

Synonyms for civil

civic adj

of or relating or belonging to a city; "civic center

♫ Rhymes
civilian adj

associated with civil life or performed by persons who are not active members of the military; "civilian clothing

♫ Rhymes
civilized adj

having a high state of culture and development both social and technological

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
polite adj

showing regard for others in manners, speech, behavior, etc. marked by refinement in taste and manners

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms

"Civil" in song lyrics

See how civil is used in real songs:

  • "Now be gracious, these minstools turn a bully's psycho civil"
    Aesop Rock — Commencement at the Obedience Academy
  • "Few would clue the crew into the civil"
    Aesop Rock — No City
  • "make you civil"
    Eightball & MJG — Ballin' G's

Words that rhyme with civil

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Usage tips for "civil"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "civil" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for civil to find words that pair well.

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♫ Rhymes with civil 🔬 Words containing civil

Frequently asked questions

What does civil mean?
applying to ordinary citizens as contrasted with the military; "civil authorities" not rude; marked by satisfactory (or especially minimal) adherence to social usages and sufficient but not noteworthy consideration for others; "even if he didn't like them he should have been civil"- W.S. Maugham of or occurring within the state or between or among citizens of the state; "civil affairs"; "civil strife"; "civil disobedience
What part of speech is civil?
Civil is an adjective.
How many definitions does civil have?
Civil has 6 definitions across 1 part of speech (adjective).

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