What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
civilist
Example
The civilist provided legal advice to the client regarding their civil case. [civilist: noun]
Example
She is a civilist who specializes in civil rights and discrimination cases. [civilist: noun]
civilian
Example
After retiring from the army, he became a civilian and started working in the private sector. [civilian: noun]
Example
The civilians were evacuated from the war zone to ensure their safety. [civilian: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Civilian is a more commonly used word compared to civilist. Civilian is widely used in various contexts to describe non-military individuals, while civilist is a more specialized term used primarily in legal or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between civilist and civilian?
Civilist is generally considered more formal than civilian. It is often used in legal or professional contexts where specialized knowledge of civil law is required. Civilian, on the other hand, is a versatile term that can be used in both formal and informal situations to refer to non-military individuals.