civilize — to bring a society to an advanced stage of social development; to educate or refine someone
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to bring a society to an advanced stage of social development; to educate or refine someone
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈsɪvəlaɪz/
Example Sentences
- My mom tried to civilize me by making me use proper utensils instead of eating pizza with my hands.
- The company's new policy aims to civilize the workplace by banning loud phone calls.
- Teachers work tirelessly to civilize their students before the school dance.
civilize
VERB[/ˈsɪvəlaɪz/]
to bring a society to an advanced stage of social development; to educate or refine someone
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from Latin 'civilis' (of or relating to citizens), the word emerged in ancient Rome to describe the process of making someone behave in a manner befitting a citizen. It carries the conceptual weight of transforming a barbarous state into a civilized one.
Breakdown
civilis (of citizens, civil) + -ize (to make, to cause to become). The suffix -ize transforms the adjective into a verb meaning to make civil or refined.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom tried to civilize me by making me use proper utensils instead of eating pizza with my hands.”
“The company's new policy aims to civilize the workplace by banning loud phone calls.”
“Teachers work tirelessly to civilize their students before the school dance.”
“It took months to civilize my roommate's habit of leaving dirty dishes everywhere.”
📚Related Words
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