civilities

civilities — noun

1. friendly words or small thoughtful actions that people share in social situation

1.名詞B2
釋義

friendly words or small thoughtful actions that people share in social situations to show good manners and respect for others

例句

Before the meeting, the two managers exchanged civilities about their holiday plans.

exchange + civilities (collocation for polite social exchanges)

A short work email can open with a few civilities before the main message.

open with + civilities (common written register pattern)

同義詞
  • politeness

    broader and more common; covers any respectful behaviour, not restricted to social remarks

  • courtesy

    slightly more formal, often implies a deliberate act of respectful behaviour

  • pleasantries

    more casual, referring specifically to light, friendly comments made when people meet

  • niceties

    often suggests polite gestures that are small and sometimes expected by social convention

反義詞
  • rudeness

    the opposite quality of being impolite or disrespectful

  • incivility

    the direct formal antonym; discourteous behaviour

文法句型

exchange + civilities

civilities + of + noun phrase

with + civilities

用法筆記

Frequently appears in the plural form 'civilities' to refer to specific polite comments or small gestures. The singular uncountable form 'civility' describes the general quality of being polite rather than particular instances of it.

常見錯誤

❌She showed civilities by not shouting at the driver.
✅She showed civility by not shouting at the driver.
💡Use the singular uncountable 'civility' for a general quality; 'civilities' (plural) refers to specific polite remarks or actions.
❌The city needs better civilities like street lights.
✅The city needs better public services like street lights.
💡'civilities' means polite behaviour, not civic amenities or infrastructure.