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English Lexicon

Civilian

/səˈvɪl.jən/
nounadjectiveCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #2800 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A person who is not a member of the armed forces or police.

    "During the conflict, many civilians were evacuated to safety."
  2. 2

    A person engaged in civilian life, as opposed to military or professional duties.

    "The civilian population often bears the brunt of war."
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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'civilis', relating to a citizen, from 'civis'. Through Old French and Middle English, the term evolved to specifically distinguish ordinary citizens from members of the armed forces or police.

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