civilization
civilization Lexical Profile
civilization Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An advanced stage of human social and cultural development and organization, characterized by urban settlement, social stratification, governance, and symbolic communication such as writing.
"The invention of agriculture and irrigation laid the foundation for early human civilization."
The society, culture, and way of life of a particular geographical area or historical period.
"Archaeologists uncovered artifacts that shed new light on the ancient Minoan civilization."
Populated, developed areas providing modern comforts, infrastructure, and conveniences, as opposed to the wilderness or remote regions.
"After two weeks of camping in the remote backcountry, the hikers were eager to return to civilization."
The process of educating a society or bringing a place or people to a stage of social and cultural development considered more advanced.
"Historians have critically re-examined how nineteenth-century empires used the concept of civilization to justify colonial expansion."
• Rhymes for civilization
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the mid-18th century from French 'civilisation', derived from 'civiliser' ('to civilize'), ultimately tracing back to the Latin 'civilis' ('relating to a citizen') from 'civis' ('citizen').
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.