civil

Pronunciation: /ˈsɪv.əl/

The English word “civil” has 5 meanings listed here.

adjective

Having to do with people and government office as opposed to the military or religion.
Behaving in a reasonable or polite manner; avoiding displays of hostility.
In a peaceful and well-ordered state.
Relating to private relations among citizens, as opposed to criminal matters.
Secular.

Etymology

From Middle English cyvyl, civil, borrowed from Old French civil, from Latin cīvīlis (“relating to a citizen”), from cīvis (“citizen”) ultimately from proto-Indo-European *ḱey-. Cognate with Old English hīwen (“household”), hīrǣden (“family”). More at hind; hird. (polite): Compare typologically urbane (<< Latin urbs), courteous (akin to court).

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