Civilize Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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civilize
[ˈsɪv.əl.aɪz ]
Definition
cultural development
To civilize is to improve a society in terms of culture, law, and social structures. It often means to bring people to a more advanced state of social and cultural development. The term is frequently used in the context of progress and development in human history.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The mission was to civilize the indigenous populations.
- Efforts were made to civilize the rural areas.
- Education plays a key role in civilizing societies.
- The government's initiative aimed to civilize the urban environment.
Translations
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Origin of 'civilize'
The word 'civilize' comes from the Latin 'civilis', meaning 'pertaining to a citizen', which is derived from 'civis', meaning 'citizen'. The root of the word reflects the values and customs of civic life and the importance of citizenship in a structured society. The term entered the English language in the late 17th century and was influenced by the Enlightenment period, during which ideas of progress, reason, and a civilized society began to take hold. In historical contexts, to 'civilize' often referred to the imposition of European cultural norms on non-European societies, reflecting colonial attitudes of the time. Today, while still retaining its original meaning, the word has evolved to encompass a wider array of contexts involving social improvement and cultural evolution.