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 Words From

• civ·i·liz·ed·ness [siv, -, uh, -lahy-zid-nis, -lahyzd], noun
• half-civil·ized adjective
• hyper·civi·lized adjective
• non·civi·lized adjective
• sub·civi·lized adjective
• super·civi·lized adjective
• ultra·civi·lized adjective
• well-civi·lized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of civilized¹

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

Example Sentences

“In a civilized society, what does violence get you?”

From Los Angeles Times

“Hinchcliffe's remarks do not promote a climate of equality, fraternity and good will among and for all women and men of every race, color and way of life which is the foundation of the American dream. These kinds of remarks should not be a part of the political discourse of a civilized society.” the Archbishop wrote in a letter posted to his Facebook page.

From Salon

Haitians have broken this social compact, the viral story goes, even going so far as to kill local ducks — ducks! — without first force-feeding them to fatten their livers, the latter being the civilized, Michelin-star method of killing and consuming the animal.

From Salon

"We just got word earlier today that Israel had agreed to the ceasefire agreement. We’re hoping that Hamas will too. But it takes me to the point of saying to you: War has no role in a civilized society," she said.

From Salon

The latter practice, regarded by the Jedi as a heretical perversion of nature, underscored the differences between light-siders, who sought harmony with the living Force, and dark-siders, who valued brute strength above all else and foreshadowed the replacement of "a more civilized age" with the techno-fascist Empire.

From Salon

Related Words

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