civilise
5 synonyms for civilise, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To educate or enlighten a person or people to a perceived higher standard of behaviour.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From civil + -ise.
Full origin of civilise →