Civilized Meaning
/ˈsɪv.ɪ.laɪzd/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjHaving a highly developed society or culture; belonging to civilization.
"In the year 1521, when Cortez reached Anahuac, the American bison was seen for the first time by civilized Europeans, if we may be permitted to thus characterize the horde of blood thirsty plunder seekers who fought their way to the Aztec capital."— 1889, William T. Hornaday, The Extermination of the American Bison:
adjShowing evidence of moral and intellectual advancement; humane, reasonable, ethical.
adjMarked by refinement in taste and manners.
"A waiter brought his aperitif, which was a small scotch and soda, and as he sipped it gratefully he sighed.
‘Civilized,’ he said to Mr. Campion. ‘Humanizing.’ […]‘Cigars and summer days and women in big hats with swansdown face-powder, that's what it reminds me of.’"— 1963, Margery Allingham, chapter 5, in The China Governess: A Mystery, London: Chatto & Windus, →OCLC:
verbsimple past and past participle of civilize
Sentence Examples
We live in a civilized society.
If it were not for electricity, our civilized life would be impossible.
Such behaviour is totally unacceptable in a civilized society.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ diplomat resolved the dispute through polite negotiation.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The goal of education is to produce ____ and helpful citizens today.
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ diplomat resolved the dispute through polite negotiation.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The goal of education is to produce ____ and helpful citizens today.