Etymology Map
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Civil

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means relating to citizens; polite

Where does the word "civil" come from? It comes from Latin civilis, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
civilis
Latin · ancient
"of citizens"
from 'civis', citizen
2
Stage 2 of 3
civil
Old French · medieval
"civic"
relating to citizens
3
Stage 3 of 3
civil
English · 1300s
"civic"
'civil war' dates from the 1400s; 'civil rights' from the 1700s
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Read the full story

Civil’s story begins in Latin: civilis meant “of citizens.” From 'civis', citizen. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as civil. Relating to citizens. It reached English by 1300s as civil. 'civil war' dates from the 1400s; 'civil rights' from the 1700s. Today, civil means relating to citizens; polite.