civil

Main Entry:: civ·il
Pronunciation:: \ˈsi-vəl\
Function:: 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 law4: of, relating to, or involving the general public, their activities, needs, or ways, or civic affairs as distinguished from special (as military or religious) affairs5of 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>.

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