Uncivilized Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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uncivilized
[ˌʌnˈsɪv.ɪ.laɪzd ]
Definitions
behavior
Not conforming to the norms of civilized society; uncultured, barbaric.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| uncivilized |
Describes behavior or people not conforming to societal norms, often implying a lack of refinement or education.
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| barbaric |
Conveys extreme cruelty or a lack of humanity. It is often used to describe violent, brutal actions or behaviors.
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| savage |
Implies wild, untamed, or ferocious behavior. It can be used to describe both people and actions that are vicious or violent.
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| uncultured |
Refers to a lack of cultural refinement, sophistication, or awareness. Often used in social contexts to describe someone unfamiliar with the arts, literature, or manners.
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Examples of usage
- He was appalled by the uncivilized behavior of the guests at the party.
- The tribe was described as uncivilized due to their lack of technology and formal education.
appearance
Not refined or polished; lacking in sophistication.
Synonyms
crude, rough, unpolished.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| uncivilized |
Used to describe people or behaviors that lack manners, culture, or refinement; often implies a lack of societal development.
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| rough |
Often used to describe something that is physically or metaphorically not smooth or gentle; can refer to physical surfaces or to behaviors and situations.
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| unpolished |
Used to describe something or someone that lacks refinement, elegance, or sophistication; often suggests room for improvement.
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| crude |
Used to describe something that is raw, unrefined, or lacking sophistication; can refer to behavior, language, or materials.
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Examples of usage
- The old house had an uncivilized look with its overgrown garden and peeling paint.
- Her uncivilized manners made her stand out at the elegant dinner party.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Sociology
- Social scientists use 'uncivilized' to describe societies that lack institutions like government and law, focusing instead on survival.
- The concept can be subjective, as what one culture sees as 'uncivilized', another may view as traditional or natural.
Popular Culture
- The term often appears in literature and films to depict characters or tribes living outside modern society, such as in adventure stories.
- In reality TV, 'uncivilized' behavior can sometimes be sensationalized for entertainment, highlighting raw human nature.
History
- The notion of 'civilization' has historically been used in colonial contexts to justify the imposition of one culture over another.
- During the Age of Enlightenment, many thinkers debated what it meant to be 'civilized', often contrasting European societies with indigenous cultures.
Origin of 'uncivilized'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'civilis', meaning 'of citizens' or 'political', and the prefix 'un-' means 'not'.
- First used in English in the 15th century, it reflected the idea of people who didn't live by society's rules and norms.
The word 'uncivilized' originated from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'civilized', which comes from the Latin word 'civilis' meaning 'relating to citizens or a state'. The term has been used throughout history to describe societies or individuals that are considered to lack the norms and customs of a civilized society.
See also: civil, civilian, civilianization, civilianizing, civilisation, civility, civilization, civilly, incivility, uncivil.