civil society
Noun
Meaning
All of the institutions, voluntary organizations and corporate bodies that are less than the state but greater than the family. [from 19th c.]
Those things expected of a democratic society, such as free speech and human rights. [from 20th c.]
(philosophy) Organized, internally peaceful human society; civilization. [from 17th c.]
Antonym: state of nature
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
The greatest failure is that although we have created institutions, we have not created a civil society.
Justice is the end of Government. It is the end of civil society. It ever has been, and ever will be pursued, until it be obtained, or until liberty be lost in the pursuit.
Business, labor and civil society organizations have skills and resources that are vital in helping to build a more robust global community.
Civil liberty is only natural liberty, modified and secured by the sanctions of civil society. It is not a thing, in its own nature, precarious and dependent on human will and caprice; but it is conformable to the constitution of man, as well as necessary to the well-being of society.
Manners are the basic building blocks of civil society.
Pluralist societies are not accidents of history. They are a product of enlightened education and continuous investment by governments and all of civil society in recognizing and celebrating the diversity of the world's peoples.