civilized

[ siv-uh-lahyzd ]
/ ˈsɪv əˌlaɪzd /

adjective

having an advanced or humane culture, society, etc.
polite; well-bred; refined.
of or relating to civilized people: The civilized world must fight ignorance.
easy to manage or control; well organized or ordered: The car is quiet and civilized, even in sharp turns.

Origin of civilized

First recorded in 1605–15; civilize + -ed2

OTHER WORDS FROM civilized

Definition for civilized (2 of 2)

civilize
[ siv-uh-lahyz ]
/ ˈsɪv əˌlaɪz /

verb (used with object), civ·i·lized, civ·i·liz·ing.

to bring out of a savage, uneducated, or rude state; make civil; elevate in social and private life; enlighten; refine: Rome civilized the barbarians.
Also especially British, civ·i·lise.

Origin of civilize

1595–1605; < French civiliser; see civil, -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM civilize

Example sentences from the Web for civilized

British Dictionary definitions for civilized (1 of 2)

civilized

civilised

/ (ˈsɪvɪˌlaɪzd) /

adjective

having a high state of culture and social development
cultured; polite a civilized discussion

British Dictionary definitions for civilized (2 of 2)

civilize

civilise

/ (ˈsɪvɪˌlaɪz) /

verb (tr)

to bring out of savagery or barbarism into a state characteristic of civilization
to refine, educate, or enlighten

Derived forms of civilize

civilizable or civilisable, adjective civilizer or civiliser, noun