civil

• Relatif aux citoyens ordinaires et à leurs affaires, par opposition aux questions militaires ou religieuses ; également utilisé dans un contexte juridique pour désigner le droit non pénal.

Relating to ordinary citizens and their concerns, as distinct from military or ecclesiastical matters; also used in legal contexts to describe non-criminal law.

1. Relating to citizensB2formal

   Concerning the ordinary people of a country, as opposed to military or religious matters.

   civil (relatif aux citoyens)

   • Civil rights are protected by law.
   • The country experienced a civil war.
   • He works in the civil service.

   Synonymesciviccivilianmunicipalpublic

   Antonymesecclesiasticalmilitary

2. Polite and courteousB1formal

   Behaving in a polite, reasonable, and respectful way.

   courtois, poli

   • They had a civil conversation despite their differences.
   • Please try to be civil to your guests.
   • He gave a civil reply to the criticism.

   Synonymesconsideratecourteousdecorousgraciousmannerlypoliterespectful

   Antonymesdiscourteousdisrespectfulimpoliterudeunciviluncouth

3. Relating to lawB2formal

   Concerning legal matters between individuals or organizations, not criminal.

   Droit civil

   • She filed a civil lawsuit against the company.
   • The case is being heard in a civil court.
   • Civil law deals with disputes between private parties.

   Synonymesprivate

   Antonymescriminal