DictionaryAI

civil

adjective
SIV-uhl/ˈsɪv.əl/

6 meanings of civil

Practice

  1. 1
    of citizensadjective
    About the government and ordinary people, not the army or a church.

    After twenty years in the army, she took a job in the civil service.

    In that country, civil leaders, not generals, run the government.

    UsageUsed before a noun, as in civil rule or the civil service.

    Similarcivilian, nonmilitary

    Oppositemilitary

    Note
  2. 2
    internal conflictadjective
    Happening between groups of people inside one country, not between countries.

    Years of civil war left the country poor and divided.

    My grandparents left their country during the civil war.

    UsageUsed before a noun, most often in civil war.

    Similarinternal, domestic

    Oppositeinternational

    Note
  3. 3
    private lawsuitadjective
    About legal cases between people or companies, not about crimes.

    Like an argument between neighbors that a judge helps settle, while the police handle crimes.

    She filed a civil case against the company after her accident.

    The court hears civil matters, like fights over money or property.

    UsageThe opposite of criminal in law: she filed a civil case against the company.

    Oppositecriminal

    Note
  4. 4
    politeadjective
    Polite enough to avoid a fight, even if you are not friendly.

    Like shaking hands with the other team after a game, even if you lost.

    Please try to be civil to your sister at dinner tonight.

    The neighbors stayed civil after their argument about the fence.

    UsageSay be civil to someone: try to be civil to your sister.

    Similarpolite, courteous, respectful

    Oppositerude, impolite, inconsiderate

  5. 5
    not religiousadjective
    Not connected with a church or with religion.

    They had a civil wedding at city hall instead of a church.

    In some countries, a civil marriage must come before any religious one.

    UsageOften in civil wedding or civil ceremony, one without a religious service.

    Similarsecular, nonreligious

    Oppositereligious, ecclesiastical

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 6
    peacefuladjectivearchaic
    Calm and well ordered, with everyone living peacefully under the law.
    Herein thou haſt done good ſeruice to thy country: VVere all inhumaine ſlaues ſo ſerued as he, England would be ciuill, and from all ſuch dealings free.
    1593, anonymous author, The Life and Death of Iacke StrawHere, civil means peaceful and orderly, free from trouble.
    Note

Practice

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Origin

From Latin cīvīlis, meaning 'relating to a citizen', which came from cīvis, meaning 'citizen'. It reached English through Old French.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 3 facts