civilize
Definitions
To bring a people or society to a more developed, organized, and cultured stage
使文明，使开化
To make someone more polite, refined, or socially acceptable
使有教养，使文雅
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcivil (of citizens) + -ize (to make into) = 'to make people into citizens' — that is, to bring them into the settled, law-governed life of a community, away from a 'wild' state. It is the verb in the chain civis → civilis → civilize → civilization.
Usage Guide
- Spelling: civilize (AmE) / civilise (BrE).
- The participle 'civilized' is far more common than the base verb and works as an adjective: 'a civilized society,' 'a civilized discussion.'
- The 'bring civilization' sense now often carries a colonial, judgmental tone — use with awareness.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The Romans believed they were civilizing the lands they conquered.
- 2.
Years at boarding school had done little to civilize him.
- 3.
Good laws and education help to civilize a society.