civilize
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
To bring a group of people or a society out of a primitive or less developed state, and into a more advanced state, typically marked by education, refinement, law, and cultural development.
To improve the behaviour, manners, or tastes of an individual or group; to make more polite, cultured, or socially acceptable.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Historically used in contexts of colonialism and cultural superiority, the term can now carry problematic connotations. In modern usage, it is often used reflexively ('to civilize oneself') or in non-human contexts (e.g., 'to civilize a space'). The British spelling is typically 'civilise'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primary spelling difference: UK 'civilise', US 'civilize'. The UK spelling follows the '-ise' convention common in many verbs of French/Latin origin, though 'civilize' is also accepted in UK. The US spelling exclusively uses '-ize'.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term's historical baggage is acknowledged. It may be used more cautiously in contemporary academic and social discourse.
Frequency
The verb is moderately low-frequency in both varieties, found more often in historical, anthropological, or sociological texts than in everyday speech. The adjective 'civilized' is significantly more common.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[SVO]: The Romans sought to civilize the conquered tribes.[SVOO]: They tried to civilize them the ways of peace.[SVOA]: She civilised the rough environment with soft music and art.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Less common] 'A civilizing influence' – a person or thing that improves others' manners or culture.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in metaphorical use: 'The new CEO aimed to civilize the cut-throat office culture.'
Academic
Common in historical, post-colonial, and sociological studies, often within quotation marks or critically examined: 'The imperial rhetoric of a "civilizing mission."'
Everyday
Used informally, often humorously or reflexively: 'I need to civilize my flatmate – he eats cereal with his hands!'
Technical
Not typical in hard sciences. Used in anthropology/sociology with critical framing.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The empire claimed its goal was to civilise and educate.
- She felt it was her duty to civilise his table manners.
American English
- Early explorers often spoke of a duty to civilize the New World.
- Can we civilize this debate and stop the personal attacks?
adverb
British English
- They behaved quite civilly towards one another.
- The matter was settled civilly and efficiently.
American English
- He stated his opposition civilly but firmly.
- Can't we discuss this civilly?
adjective
British English
- They enjoyed a civilised afternoon tea.
- It was a very civilised discussion, despite their differences.
American English
- Let's have a civilized conversation about this.
- In a civilized society, such behaviour is unacceptable.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Parents try to civilize their children by teaching them good manners.
- The book is about how ancient Greece helped civilize parts of Europe.
- The colonisers believed they had a mission to civilise the indigenous population, a view now widely criticised.
- A shared meal is often seen as a civilising force in human society.
- The discourse of the 'civilizing mission' served as a powerful justification for nineteenth-century imperialism.
- Philosophers debated whether commerce serves to civilize nations by fostering interdependence and law.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CIVIL-IZE' – to make someone part of a CIVIL society.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY IS A GARDEN (to be cultivated); DEVELOPMENT IS A JOURNEY FROM WILDERNESS TO CITY; REFINEMENT IS POLISHING.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'цивилизовать' (which is a direct cognate but very bookish). Avoid using it as a simple synonym for 'to teach' or 'to develop'. The Russian 'культурный' relates more to 'cultured' than 'civilized'. Beware of the negative historical context attached to the concept in English.
Common Mistakes
- *'Civilise' is incorrect in US English. *Using it in a non-reflective, modern context about non-Western societies can be seen as offensive. *Confusing 'civilize' (process) with 'be civilized' (state).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'civilize' in a modern, acceptable, and reflexive manner?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Civilize' refers to bringing a society or person to a developed state of social organization and refinement. 'Cultivate' focuses more on the deliberate development of a specific quality, skill, or relationship (e.g., cultivate a habit, cultivate a friendship), or on farming.
It is not inherently negative, but its historical use in contexts of colonialism and cultural supremacy means it must be used with care today. Using it to describe one's own personal improvement or in non-human contexts (e.g., 'civilize a workspace') is generally unproblematic.
The UK standard spelling is 'civilise' (following the '-ise' pattern), while the US standard is exclusively 'civilize' (following the '-ize' pattern). However, 'civilize' is also an accepted variant in the UK.
Yes, when used reflexively ('civilize oneself') or metaphorically about improving an environment or atmosphere ('flowers helped civilize the stark office'), it carries a positive connotation of introducing order, beauty, or refinement.