Civilizing: meaning, definitions and examples
🌍
civilizing
[ ˈsɪvəlʌɪzɪŋ ]
cultural improvement
Civilizing refers to the process of bringing a society into a more organized and cultured state. It often includes the introduction of laws, customs, and education that promote social order and moral behavior. The term is frequently used in discussions about historical or sociopolitical contexts where certain groups are perceived to need improvement. Civilizing efforts can be controversial, particularly when they involve the imposition of one culture over another.
Synonyms
cultivating, educating, enlightening, refining.
Examples of usage
- The missionaries believed they were civilizing the indigenous population.
- Civilizing influences can lead to significant societal changes.
- Historically, many civilizations attempted civilizing missions abroad.
- Education is a key component of civilizing efforts in any society.
Translations
Translations of the word "civilizing" in other languages:
🇵🇹 civilizando
🇮🇳 संस्कारीकरण
🇩🇪 zivilisierend
🇮🇩 peradaban
🇺🇦 цивілізуючий
🇵🇱 cywilizujący
🇯🇵 文明化する
🇫🇷 civilisant
🇪🇸 civilizando
🇹🇷 medenileştiren
🇰🇷 문명화하는
🇸🇦 مدني
🇨🇿 civilizující
🇸🇰 civilizujúci
🇨🇳 文明化的
🇸🇮 civilizirajoč
🇮🇸 siðmenningarlegur
🇰🇿 цивилизациялық
🇬🇪 ცივილიზებული
🇦🇿 mədəniyyətləşdirən
🇲🇽 civilizando
Etymology
The word 'civilizing' is derived from 'civilize,' which comes from the Latin word 'civilis,' meaning 'pertaining to citizens.' The prefix 'civi-' relates to community and society, and the suffix '-ize' indicates the process of transformation. Historical use of the term dates back to the Enlightenment, a period that emphasized reason and individualism and sought to advance society through education and cultural development. During this time, 'civilizing' became associated with efforts to improve societal standards and behaviors, often in the context of colonialism where European powers aimed to impose their norms on other cultures. As societies have evolved, the term has maintained its relevance in discussions about cultural development and moral standards.