Meaning & use

civilized

adjective·Academic

Having a well-organized society with developed laws, customs, and culture, or behaving in a polite, reasonable manner.

See it in a sentence

The ancient city was known for its civilized system of laws and public works.

Even during the argument, they managed to stay civilized and hear each other out.

A note on using this word

"Civilized" is spelled with a "z" in American English, while British English often uses "civilised."

Words with a similar meaning

culturedpolite

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

barbaricuncivilized

Make it your own

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