adjective
civil
Relating to citizens' rights and public affairs.
The Constitution protects civil rights and limits the government's power.
Etymology
Latin civis means citizen, and the ending makes an adjective. Civil concerns people as members of a public community, including their rights and shared affairs.
More examples
- She takes a civil service exam to qualify for government jobs.
- The neighbors settle their property dispute in a civil court.
- The same incident can lead to both civil and criminal cases.
Forms
civil