civility

 
Pronunciation: /sɪˈvɪlɪti/

noun (plural civilities)

[mass noun]
  • formal politeness and courtesy in behaviour or speech: I hope we can treat each other with civility and respect
  • (civilities) polite remarks used in formal conversation: she was exchanging civilities with his mother

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French civilite, from Latin civilitas, from civilis 'relating to citizens' (see civil). In early use the term denoted the state of being a citizen and hence good citizenship or orderly behaviour. The sense 'politeness' arose in the mid 16th century