Words / C1

SIV-ik/ˈsɪvɪk/

Civic relates to citizens and public city life: civic duty, civic centre, civic pride. Civil can mean polite, or not military (civil war, civil servant). Civilian is a person not in the forces. Civic is about the city/citizenship, not politeness.

Meaning

Relating to the duties and public life of citizens in a city or state.

Examples

• “Voting is a civic responsibility.”
• “The mayor praised their civic spirit after the flood.”
• “A civic reception followed the opening of the library.”

Good to know

civic duty/pride/centre. Polite: civil. Not military (person): civilian.

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