civilise
|civ-i-lise|
/ˈsɪv.əl.aɪz/
make cultured / bring to civility
Etymology
'civilise' originates from French, specifically the word 'civiliser', where 'civilis' meant 'relating to a citizen or city'.
'civilise' changed from Old French 'civiliser' and Middle English forms such as 'civilisen' and eventually became the modern English 'civilise'.
Initially it referred to things 'of or relating to citizens/city life', but over time it evolved to mean 'to make cultured, polite, or socially developed'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to bring (a person, group, or society) to a stage of social, cultural, and moral development considered to be advanced or refined.
They believed it was their duty to civilise the remote communities they encountered.
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Verb 2
to make (someone) polite, well-mannered, or considerate in behaviour.
Good schooling can help civilise a child's behaviour.
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Last updated: 2025/11/28 21:19