civility

The definition of civility refers to politeness or etiquette.

(noun)

When you do not really like someone very much but you manage to treat him politely, greeting him and behaving in a socially acceptable way, this is an example of civility.

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See civility in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. civilities

  1. politeness, esp. in a merely formal way
  2. a civil, or polite, act or utterance

Origin: ME civilite < OFr < L civilitas (< civilis, civil), politics, hence politic behavior, politeness

See civility in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. ci·vil·i·ties
  1. Courteous behavior; politeness.
  2. A courteous act or utterance.

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