Civilize: meaning, definitions and examples

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civilize

 

[ ˈsɪv.əl.aɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

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

advance, educate, refine

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

Translations of the word "civilize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 civilizar

🇮🇳 सभ्य बनाना

🇩🇪 zivilisieren

🇮🇩 peradaban

🇺🇦 цивілізувати

🇵🇱 ucywilizować

🇯🇵 文明化する

🇫🇷 civiliser

🇪🇸 civilizar

🇹🇷 medenileştirmek

🇰🇷 문명화하다

🇸🇦 تحضر

🇨🇿 civilizovat

🇸🇰 civilizovať

🇨🇳 使文明化

🇸🇮 civilizirati

🇮🇸 menningar

🇰🇿 цивилизациялау

🇬🇪 ცივილიზება

🇦🇿 mədəniyyətləşdirmək

🇲🇽 civilizar

Word origin

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.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,284, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.