VocabDictionary

civil rights

/ˈsɪv.əl raɪts/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality, specifically the rights to personal liberty and protection from discrimination.

Example Sentences:
  • The landmark legislation was designed to protect the civil rights of all citizens regardless of race or gender.
  • She dedicated her entire career to the advocacy of civil rights and social justice.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “civil rights”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'civilis' (relating to a citizen) and the Old English 'riht' (just, good, or fair). The term emerged in the 17th century to describe the rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality, gaining significant modern political weight during the mid-20th-century American Civil Rights Movement.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'Civil' as 'Citizen' and 'Rights' as 'Right to be treated fairly'—the rights every citizen is entitled to.

Frequently Asked Questions About “civil rights

1. What is the meaning of “civil rights” in English?

In English, civil rights (noun) is defined as: “The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality, specifically the rights to personal liberty and protection from discrimination.”.

2. How do you use “civil rights” in a sentence?

The landmark legislation was designed to protect the civil rights of all citizens regardless of race or gender.

3. What are English synonyms of “civil rights”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “civil rights”?

Derived from the Latin 'civilis' (relating to a citizen) and the Old English 'riht' (just, good, or fair). The term emerged in the 17th century to describe the rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality, gaining significant modern political weight during the mid-20th-century American Civil Rights Movement.