What does uncivilly mean?
Uncivilly means in a rude, discourteous, or socially inappropriate way. It is used for speech, conduct, or treatment that falls short of the courtesy and respect ordinarily expected between people. For example, a person may speak uncivilly to a customer, behave uncivilly during an argument, or treat another person with clear discourtesy. The adverb is more formal than “badly” and carries a distinctly negative social judgment, emphasizing a breach of expected manners rather than mere carelessness. Although it can apply to serious misconduct, it is also used for less extreme behavior that is noticeably impolite. The word belongs to the family of “civil,” “civility,” and “civilization,” all of which concern citizenship, social organization, and courteous conduct.
adverbIn an impolite, discourteous, or socially inappropriate manner. It describes behavior or speech that shows a lack of courtesy and respect for others.
- In an impolite, discourteous, or socially inappropriate manner.
"He apologized for speaking uncivilly to the customer."
"The witness claimed that the driver had behaved uncivilly during the dispute."
"She apologized for speaking uncivilly to her colleague."
The “un-” in “uncivilly” reverses a social ideal: to be civil is to act with courtesy, so to act uncivilly is to conspicuously fail that test.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does uncivilly come from?
“Uncivilly” was formed by adding the adverbial suffix “-ly” to “uncivil,” which in turn uses the negative prefix “un-” with “civil.” “Civil” comes through French from Latin civilis, a term associated with citizens and civic life. Its opposite, “civilly,” preserves the same Latin root without the negative prefix, while “civility,” “civilize,” and “citizen” are related developments of the same root.
Related word forms
How uncivilly is actually used
This is a formal or formal-leaning word with a strongly negative connotation. It can describe rude speech, behavior, or treatment, and is more emphatic than simply describing an action as impolite.
Easily confused with uncivilly
“Uncivil” is an adjective describing something lacking courtesy, while “uncivilly” is an adverb describing how someone acts or speaks in an uncivil manner.