civility

The story

1. Latin · borrowed fromcivilitas
2. English todaycivility

Borrowed from Latin civilitas: compare French civilité. English equivalent civil + -ity.

First known use, by meaning

• from 16th c. Speech or behaviour that is fit for civil interactions; politeness, courtesy.
• from 17th c. An individual act or expression of polite behaviour; a courtesy.
• from 16th c. The state or fact of being civilized; civilization.
• 16th c. A civil office; a civil capacity.