civil

Definition

Having to do with people and government office as opposed to the military or religion.

Etymology

From Middle English cyvyl, civil, borrowed from Old French civil, from Latin cīvīlis (“relating to a citizen”), from cīvis (“citizen”). Cognate with Old English hīwen (“household”), hīrǣden (“family”). More at hind; hird.

Example Sentences

• "She went into civil service because she wanted to help the people."
• "A third is wroth: ‘Is this an hour ⁠For private sorrow’s barren song, ⁠When more and more the people throng The chairs and thrones of civil power?’"
• "It was very civil of him to stop the argument."

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