First Known Use: 1543
Dictionary
comity
noun co·mi·ty \ˈkä-mə-tē, ˈkō-\
plural co·mi·ties
Definition of COMITY
1
a : friendly social atmosphere : social harmony <group activities promoting comity> b : a loose widespread community based on common social institutions <the comity of civilization> c : comity of nations d : the informal and voluntary recognition by courts of one jurisdiction of the laws and judicial decisions of another
2
: avoidance of proselytizing members of another religious denomination
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Origin of COMITY
Latin comitat-, comitas, from comis courteous, probably from Old Latin cosmis, from com- + -smis (akin to Sanskrit smayate he smiles) — more at smile
Related to COMITY
- Synonyms
- chime, harmony, compatibility, concord, peace
- Antonyms
- conflict, discord, dissension (also dissention), variance
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