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société civile

/sɔ.sje.ti.si.vil/
noun★Intermediate— civil society
⚖️Law
formal

An organized group of citizens or organizations that operate independently of the government and business sectors to promote social, political, or environmental interests.

Les associations environnementales font partie de la société civile.

Environmental associations are part of civil society.

💡

In French law, this term refers to non-governmental and non-profit organizations that advocate for public interests.

Collocations

membre de la société civilemember of civil societyorganisation de la société civilecivil society organization

Synonyms

société non gouvernementaleONG

Antonyms

gouvernementsecteur privé

Related Phrases

ONGphrase
non-governmental organization

💡Pro Tip

Legal Context

In French law, this term is distinct from 'société commerciale' (business entity).

📖Word Origin

From 'société' (society) and 'civile' (civil), referring to non-state, non-profit entities.

📝Usage Notes

The term is commonly used in political and legal contexts to describe grassroots movements, NGOs, and advocacy groups.

Word Breakdown

société
society
root
+
civile
civil
adjective
Dictionnaire Français-Anglais

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