civilized

[siv-uh-lahyzd]

adjective

1. having an advanced or humane culture, society, etc.

2. polite; well-bred; refined.

3. of or relating to civilized people.

   The civilized world must fight ignorance.

4. easy to manage or control; well organized or ordered.

   The car is quiet and civilized, even in sharp turns.

civilized

/ ˈsɪvɪˌlaɪzd /

adjective

1. having a high state of culture and social development

2. cultured; polite

   a civilized discussion

Other Word Forms

• civilizedness noun
• half-civilized adjective
• hypercivilized adjective
• noncivilized adjective
• subcivilized adjective
• supercivilized adjective
• ultracivilized adjective
• well-civilized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of civilized¹

First recorded in 1605–15; civilize + -ed ²

Example Sentences

“You want to know what’s happening? Act civilized, act kind, act tolerant, because this is the problem with what’s happening in the region.”

From Los Angeles Times

“In a civilized society, I don’t think the death penalty should ever be an option.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Dogfighting is a vicious and cruel crime that has no place in a civilized society,” U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

“In a normal civilized country, who would be able to accept that we invest the money while the U.S. takes 90% of the profits?“ he asked.

From Los Angeles Times

Without a doubt, “civilized” people could find satisfaction — or comfort, or justice, or opportunity — in the violent slaughter of babies.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• civil 
• cultured 
• educated 
• enlightened 
• humane 
• refined 
• sophisticated