civilize

/ˈsɪvəlaɪz/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈsɪvəlaɪz/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsi-və-ˌlīz/ (ame, mw)

civilize — verb

  • civilizepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • civilizeshe / she / it
  • civilizedpast simple
  • civilizing-ing form

1. to help a group of people or a society develop more advanced institutions, laws,

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to help a group of people or a society develop more advanced institutions, laws, and ways of living as a whole.

例句

European explorers in the nineteenth century claimed they wanted to civilize the peoples they encountered.

historical context: colonisation rhetoric

The new king built roads and schools to civilize the remote regions of his kingdom.

同義詞
  • humanize

    focuses on making systems or institutions more compassionate rather than more advanced

  • cultivate

    emphasises gradual, organic development through deliberate effort

  • refine

    applies to improving taste, manners, or culture at a more individual level

文法句型

civilize + noun phrase (society, people, region)

用法筆記

This sense is often found in historical or political writing, where it may carry a judgmental or colonial perspective. Modern writers frequently place the word in quotation marks or pair it with critical language to acknowledge this baggage.

常見錯誤

❌The teacher civilized the students by explaining math.
✅The teacher educated the students by explaining math.
💡To civilize a group means to transform its entire society, not simply to teach a subject in a classroom.

2. to make someone's manners or habits more polite and socially acceptable, often t

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to make someone's manners or habits more polite and socially acceptable, often through teaching or discipline.

例句

The nanny civilized the children by teaching them please and thank you at meals.

socialising children: teaching basic politeness

A host family in Tokyo helped civilize the young traveller by teaching proper table manners.

cross-cultural context: host family improving manners

同義詞
  • refine

    suggests making someone elegant or sophisticated, going beyond basic politeness

  • polish

    informal; emphasises removing rough edges in social behaviour

  • tame

    informal and stronger; suggests controlling wild or unruly behaviour

反義詞
  • corrupt

    to make someone's morals or behaviour worse rather than better

文法句型

civilize + noun phrase (child, student, recruit)

用法筆記

This sense can be used humorously or gently, particularly when describing children or adults with rough manners. It often appears after 'try to' or 'attempt to' when the person being civilized does not cooperate willingly.

常見錯誤

❌The school civilized the students by improving their exam scores.
✅The boarding school civilized the wild boys by teaching them manners and self-control.
💡Civilizing relates to social conduct and politeness, not academic achievement.