Civilized
/ˈsɪvəlaɪzd/
Definitions
Showing a high level of cultural development and social organization; polite and well-behaved.
/ˈsɪvəlaɪzd/
Having a high level of cultural and technological development.
Their behavior was remarkably civilized for a group of teenagers.
💡 Simply: Imagine a city with lots of rules and everyone being nice and respectful. That's a civilized place!
👶 For kids: Nice and polite like grown-ups.
More Examples
A civilized society values education and justice.
How It's Used
"Many consider ancient Greece a highly civilized society."
"The anthropologist studied the transition from nomadic to civilized life."
Idioms & expressions
a civilized society
A society characterized by high levels of culture, technology, and social order.
"We aspire to build a more civilized society."
From Middle English *civilized*, from Old French *civilisé*, from Latin *civilis* ('civil', 'of citizens').
The word's usage has shifted over time, moving from a focus on material progress to a greater emphasis on social manners and ethical conduct.
Memory tip
Think 'civil' – being civilized means acting in a civil, polite manner.