civilian — a person who is not a member of the military or police force
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a person who is not a member of the military or police force
Pronunciation (IPA): /səˈvɪljən/
Example Sentences
- After 20 years in the army, he struggled to adapt to civilian life and missed the early morning drills.
- The spy tried to look like an ordinary civilian, but his military posture gave him away.
- Civilian contractors were hired to build the new bridge for the military base.
civilian
NOUN[/səˈvɪljən/]
a person who is not a member of the military or police force
The soldiers helped civilians leave the area safely.
The civilian spent a peaceful day with his family in the park. (CIVIL + MAN → an ordinary person living everyday life)
A civilian became a comedian and made the audience laugh.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Latin civilis, meaning 'of or relating to citizens,' which itself developed from civis, meaning 'citizen' in Roman times. It evolved to denote a person who is not a member of the military, distinguishing ordinary citizens from armed forces personnel.
Breakdown
civilis (of citizens) + -an (suffix forming agent nouns, indicating a person). The root civis ultimately traces to the Latin word for citizen or member of a state.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“After 20 years in the army, he struggled to adapt to civilian life and missed the early morning drills.”
“The spy tried to look like an ordinary civilian, but his military posture gave him away.”
“Civilian contractors were hired to build the new bridge for the military base.”
“During the evacuation, military personnel helped civilians board the rescue helicopters.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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