adj

civilized

SIHV-ih-lyzd

adj

Having a well-developed society, culture, and institutions.

"The exhibit traces the rise of civilized societies in the region."

Polite, reasonable, and decent in behaviour.

"Let's discuss this in a civilized way instead of shouting."

How to Use Civilized

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither "belonging to a developed society" or, more casually, "behaving decently and reasonably."

UK vs US

American spelling; British English typically writes "civilised."

Easily confused with

civilised →

more civilized comparative, most civilized superlative

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The exhibit traces the rise of _____ societies in the region.

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