civilization

civ-i-li-za-tion · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The stage of human social and cultural development and organization that is considered most advanced.

  2. 2.

    A particular society at a particular time and place, with its own culture and way of life.

  3. 3.

    The comfort and convenience of modern life.

  4. 4.

    The process of bringing or reaching an advanced state of social development.

Forms

plural: civilizations

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    cradle of civilization — A region where civilization first developed.
  • •
    clash of civilizations — Conflict between different cultural groups.
  • •
    Western civilization — The cultural heritage of Europe and its descendants.

Related words

Antonyms: barbarism, savagery
See also: civilize, culture, society
Synonyms: culture, development, progress, society

Etymology

From French civilisation, from civiliser ("to civilize"), from Latin civilis ("civil, relating to citizens"), from civis ("citizen").