Civism

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A principle that stresses the necessity of civic duties and responsibilities within a community
2. Devotion to fulfilling one's roles and responsibilities as a member of a community or society
3. The attitude or practice of actively participating in the functions and obligations of local or national citizenship

Etymology: "Civism" is formed from the Latin "civis" (citizen) plus the suffix "-ism," which in English marks a doctrine, practice, or attitude. The base "civis" is the root behind "civil," "civic," and "city," so the word sits in a family of terms all tied to the idea of membership in a community of citizens. The pairing with "-ism" is the key to its meaning. Where "civic" describes things that belong to a citizen or a city, "civism" names the disposition of someone who takes an active part in those obligations, such as voting, serving on local councils, or contributing to public life. Its emphasis falls on participation rather than mere legal status.