civility
NounUS[suh-vil-uh-tee]/səˈvɪləti/4 syllables
Synonyms:
politeness
Open English WordNet
Noun (2)civilities
- formal or perfunctory politenessOpposite incivilityType of courtesy, good mannersAttribute of civil, uncivil
- the act of showing regard for othersSynonyms: politenessType of actionKinds courtesy, deference, devoir
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Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Ci·vil′i·ty noun; pl. Civilities (#).
Origin: L. civilitas: cf. F. civilité. See Civil.
1. The state of society in which the relations and duties of a citizen are recognized and obeyed; a state of civilization. obsolete
Monarchies have risen from barbarrism to civility, and fallen again to ruin.— Sir John Davies
The gradual depature of all deeper signification from the word civility has obliged the creation of another word — civilization.— Abp. Richard Chenevix Trench
2. A civil office, or a civil process obsolete
To serve in a civility.— Hugh Latimer
3. Courtesy; politeness; kind attention; good breeding; a polite act or expression.
The insolent civility of a proud man is, if possible, more shocking than his rudeness could be.— Chesterfield.
The sweet civilities of life.— John Dryden
Synonyms: Urbanity; affability; complaisance.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54