What is the difference between a citizen and a civilian?

What is the difference between a CIVILIAN and a CITIZEN? Assume that both are natives and were born there.?

• Answer:

  The etymology of the word civilian comes from the latin civilis. There are two generally accepted definitions, however one applies. By definition, a civilian is a citizen, who participates in civil life (that is votes, pays taxes, etc). However, the term is used to differentiate between those in military service (and thus wearing a uniform) who may actually be citizens and participate in civil life, and those who are not in the military. So to be answer the question, there is no difference. To be a civilian, one must be a citizen. However, one could be a citizen and not be a civilian, that is, one would be in the military.