civil meaning and definition

CIVIL adjective

Definition of civil (adjective)

1. applying to ordinary citizens as contrasted with the military
   • "civil authorities"
2. not rude; marked by satisfactory (or especially minimal) adherence to social usages and sufficient but not noteworthy consideration for others
   • "even if he didn't like them he should have been civil"- W.S. Maugham
   • synonyms: polite
   • antonym: rude
3. of or occurring within the state or between or among citizens of the state
   • "civil affairs"; "civil strife"; "civil disobedience"; "civil branches of government"
4. of or relating to or befitting citizens as individuals
   • "civil rights"; "civil liberty"; "civic duties"; "civic pride"
   • synonyms: civic
5. (of divisions of time) legally recognized in ordinary affairs of life
   • "the civil calendar"; "a civil day begins at mean midnight"
   • antonym: sidereal
6. of or in a condition of social order
   • "civil peoples"