How to pronounce civility
Say it like suh-VIL-uh-tee. Civility has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VIL).
- suh
- VIL
- uh
- tee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Civility pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- suhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- VILSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- teeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of civility
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: sih-VIL-ih-tee.
What does civility mean?
- Speech or behaviour that is fit for civil interactions; politeness, courtesy.
- An individual act or expression of polite behaviour; a courtesy.
Where does civility come from?
Borrowed from Latin civilitas: compare French civilité.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with civility
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of civility.
- ability
- responsibility
- possibility
- utility
- availability
- capability
- mobility
- flexibility
- probability
- reliability
Questions about saying civility
How do you pronounce civility?
Say suh-VIL-uh-tee. The American pronunciation is /səˈvɪləti/. In British English it is /sɪˈvɪlɪti/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in civility?
Civility has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VIL). Broken into parts: suh · VIL · uh · tee.
Is civility pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /sɪˈvɪlɪti/ (sih-VIL-ih-tee).