civilized

UK: /ˈsɪvɪlaɪzd/ US: (siv′ə līzd′)

From the verb civilize: (⇒ conjugate)

civilized is: ⓘ

v past (US & UK)

v past p (US & UK)

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

civ•i•lized  (siv′ə līzd′), adj. 

1. having an advanced or humane culture, society, etc.
2. polite; well-bred;
   refined.
3. of or pertaining 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.

• civilize + -ed² 1605–15

civ•i•liz•ed•ness  (siv′ə lī′zid nis, -līzd′), n. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

civilized, civilised / ˈsɪvɪˌlaɪzd/ adjective

1. having a high state of culture and social development
2. cultured; polite: a civilized discussion

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

civ•i•lize /ˈsɪvəˌlaɪz/   v. [~ + object] , -lized, -liz•ing. 

1. to bring out of a backward or uneducated state;
   make enlightened or refined:
   Rome civilized the barbarians.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

civ•i•lize  (siv′ə līz′), v.t., -lized, -liz•ing. 

1. to bring out of a savage, uneducated, or rude state; make civil;
   elevate in social and private life;
   enlighten;
   refine:
   Rome civilized the barbarians.

Also,[esp. Brit.,] civ′i•lise′. 

• French civiliser; see civil, -ize
• 1595–1605

civ′i•liz′a•ble, adj. 
civ•i•liz•a•to•ry  (siv′ə lī′zə tôr′ē, -tōr′ē), adj.  civ′i•liz′er, n. 
Synonyms

educate, teach, instruct, polish, sophisticate.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

civilize, civilise / ˈsɪvɪˌlaɪz/ verb (transitive)

1. to bring out of savagery or barbarism into a state characteristic of civilization
2. to refine, educate, or enlighten