civil society: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal; primarily academic, journalistic, and political discourse.
Quick answer
What does “civil society” mean?
A society of citizens bound by common interests and collective activity in the public sphere, independent of the state and commercial markets, typically including organisations like charities, NGOs, community groups, and professional associations.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A society of citizens bound by common interests and collective activity in the public sphere, independent of the state and commercial markets, typically including organisations like charities, NGOs, community groups, and professional associations.
The aggregate of non-governmental organisations, institutions, and individuals that manifest interests and will of citizens, often seen as a crucial sphere for democratic participation, social cohesion, and advocacy separate from government and business sectors.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. In UK discourse, it may be more frequently linked to concepts like the 'Big Society' (political slogan). In US discourse, it may be more explicitly connected to constitutional 'freedom of assembly' and a tradition of robust non-profit sectors.
Connotations
Generally positive, associated with democracy, freedom, and social health. Can sometimes carry a slightly ideological connotation (e.g., in critiques of neo-liberalism where 'civil society' is seen as taking over state functions).
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American academic and policy texts, but the term is equally established in British English in relevant fields.
Grammar
How to Use “civil society” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] civil society [VERBed] for reforms.A [ADJ] civil society is essential for [NOUN].[NOUN] between the state and civil society.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “civil society” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The group works to civil-society-ise the policy process.
- Efforts to empower and civil society-build are ongoing.
American English
- The initiative aims to civil society-ize the debate.
- Funding is targeted to civil society-strengthening activities.
adjective
British English
- The civil-society perspective was missing from the white paper.
- They took a strong civil-society stance on the issue.
American English
- Civil-society engagement is a key metric for the grant.
- The report highlights civil-society contributions to health care.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) contexts: 'The company partners with civil society on environmental projects.'
Academic
Very common in political science, sociology, development studies: 'The study examines the role of civil society in democratic transitions.'
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation. May appear in news or informed discussion: 'The new law is being challenged by civil society groups.'
Technical
Common in NGO, international development, and governance jargon: 'The project includes a strong civil society capacity-building component.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “civil society”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “civil society”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “civil society”
- Using it to refer to society in general ('Our civil society celebrates this holiday.' – Incorrect).
- Using it as a countable noun ('a civil society' is rare; usually uncountable or used attributively: 'civil society groups').
- Confusing it with 'polite society'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Society' refers to the broad community of people living together. 'Civil society' is a specific part of that broader society, focusing on organised, collective citizen action outside of government and business structures.
No. Civil society is a collective, organisational concept. A person can be a 'civil society activist' or 'actor', but not 'civil society' itself.
Typically, yes. Most charities (NGOs, non-profits) are considered core components of civil society, as they are voluntary, non-governmental associations serving public interests.
There isn't a single direct opposite. It is often contrasted with 'the state' (government) and 'the market' (business/commercial sector). In a political context, its absence might be described as 'statism', 'authoritarian control', or a suppressed public sphere.
A society of citizens bound by common interests and collective activity in the public sphere, independent of the state and commercial markets, typically including organisations like charities, NGOs, community groups, and professional associations.
Civil society is usually formal; primarily academic, journalistic, and political discourse. in register.
Civil society: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɪv.əl səˈsaɪ.ə.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɪv.əl səˈsaɪ.ə.t̬i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The backbone of democracy”
- “The space between the state and the market”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the three C's: Citizens Organising Collectively outside government and business.
Conceptual Metaphor
CIVIL SOCIETY IS A SPHERE/REALM (e.g., 'in the sphere of civil society'), CIVIL SOCIETY IS THE FABRIC OF DEMOCRACY (e.g., 'the fabric of civil society').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST example of a civil society organisation?