Langimage
English

civilize

|civ/i/lize|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈsɪv.ə.laɪz/

🇬🇧

/ˈsɪv.ɪ.laɪz/

advance society

Etymology
Etymology Information

'civilize' originates from the French word 'civiliser,' which is derived from the Latin 'civilis,' meaning 'relating to a citizen.'

Historical Evolution

'civiliser' transformed into the English word 'civilize' during the 17th century.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to make civil or polite,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to bring to a more advanced stage of social development.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to bring a society to a stage of social, cultural, and moral development considered to be more advanced.

Efforts were made to civilize the indigenous tribes.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 2

to refine or improve someone's manners or behavior.

The boarding school aimed to civilize the students.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39