What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
civic
Example
The city council organized a civic event to promote community engagement. [civic: adjective]
Example
It is important for citizens to participate in civic activities to contribute to the betterment of society. [civic: adjective]
citizen
Example
She became a citizen of the United States after completing the naturalization process. [citizen: noun]
Example
Good citizens vote in elections and stay informed about current events. [citizens: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Citizen is more commonly used than civic in everyday language. Citizen is a widely recognized term that is used to describe legal membership and participation in public affairs. Civic, while less common, is often used in formal or specialized contexts to describe activities or events related to the community.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between civic and citizen?
While citizen is a versatile term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, civic is generally associated with a more formal tone. It is commonly used in academic or professional settings when discussing community-related topics or organizations.
