civilized

civ-i-lized · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Having an advanced state of social and cultural development.

  2. 2.

    Polite and well-mannered in behavior.

  3. 3.

    (Of a place or activity) comfortable, pleasant, and convenient.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    civilized world — Countries considered to have advanced social development.
  • •
    civilized behavior — Conduct befitting a polite, orderly society.

Related words

Antonyms: barbaric, primitive, savage, uncivilized
See also: civilization, cultured, refined
Synonyms: cultured, polished, refined, sophisticated

Etymology

Past participle of civilize, from French civiliser, from Latin civilis ("civil"). The sense of "polite" developed from the idea that advanced societies have refined manners.