Civilize Meaning in English
word
ˈsɪvəˌɫaɪz
SIV-uh-liez
ˈsɪvɪlaɪz
SIV-ih-liez
Definition
To bring a place or people to a more advanced stage of society and culture, usually by teaching laws, manners, or ways of life.
Usage & Nuances
Often used in historical contexts, sometimes with a negative or colonial implication. Can imply imposing one group's values on another. Common phrases: 'civilize a nation,' 'civilizing influence.' Not generally used for individuals in modern contexts.
Spanish: civilizarPortuguese (BR): civilizarPortuguese (PT): civilizarChinese (Simplified): 使开化 - 使文明Chinese (Traditional): 使開化 - 使文明Hindi: सभ्य बनानाArabic: يُحضِّر - يُمَدِّنBengali: সভ্য করা - উন্নত করা (সমাজ/সংস্কৃতি)Russian: цивилизоватьJapanese: 文明化するVietnamese: khai hóa - làm văn minhKorean: 문명화하다Turkish: uygarlaştırmak - medenileştirmekUrdu: تہذیب یافتہ بنانا - مہذب کرناIndonesian: memperadabkan - memajukan (masyarakat/budaya)
Example Sentences
They wanted to civilize the remote tribes.
basic
The book describes how ancient people tried to civilize the world.
basic
Missionaries came to civilize the area.
basic
Some people think technology helps civilize society.
natural
It takes more than new laws to civilize a country.
natural
Some traditions remain even after people are civilized.
natural