Final answer:
The word 'civility' meaning 'politeness' shares a Latin root with 'civilization', both originating from the word 'civilis'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word meaning "politeness" that shares a Latin root with civilization is "civility". Both civility and civilization are derived from the Latin "civilis", which relates to being civil, or in other words, polite and courteous. This connection hints at the Roman concept of Romanitas, which encompassed being civilized, including attributes such as strength, honesty, public speaking, and self-sacrifice for the greater good of society. The idea of being civilized is closely tied to the running of a city or civitas, and this reflects on how societies are organized and defined. The emphasis on organised urban life as a foundation for civilization can be traced back to the rise of city-states or poleis, in the Greek tradition, which later influenced the Roman governance and society.