Civil ˈsɪvl People Adjective Unrest Caused Groups Country

• civil unrest (= that is caused by groups of people within a country)
• civil strife/conflict
• there were concerns that the economic reforms might lead to civil unrest.
• the recognition of civil unions for same-sex couples

civil

1. connected with the people who live in a country
• SEE ALSO civil war
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/civil-war
• civil unrest (= that is caused by groups of people within a country)
• civil strife/conflict
• There were concerns that the economic reforms might lead to civil unrest.
2. connected with the state rather than with religion or with the armed forces
• the recognition of civil unions for same-sex couples
• They were married in a civil ceremony.
• civil aviation
• We have called in the army to assist the civil authorities in rescue operations.
3. involving personal legal matters and not criminal law
• COMPARE criminal
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/criminal_2
• a civil court
4. polite in a formal way but possibly not friendly
• OPPOSITE uncivil
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/uncivil
• The less time I have to spend being civil to him the better!

Extra Examples

• He said that the police were perfectly civil in their questioning.
• I don't want her around if she can't behave in a civil manner to me.
• The teachers were all perfectly civil to me.

Word Origin

• late Middle English: via Old French from Latin civilis, from civis ‘citizen’.