Civilization — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌsi-və-lə-ˈzā-shən/ civ·i·li·za·tion

Meaning & Definition of Civilization

Civilization (noun)

  1. a relatively high level of cultural and technological development; specifically, the stage of cultural development at which writing and the keeping of written records is attained
  2. the beliefs, customs, arts, etc. characteristic of a particular time or place, culture; also, pluralcivilizations, a well-organized and developed society, culture
  3. the process of becoming civilized

Civilization (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the way people live at a particular time and place

    "a documentary on the advanced civilization created by the Mayas over a thousand years ago"

    similar: culture, life, lifestyle, society
    related: customs, manners, mores, values, folklore, heritage, legacy, tradition, subculture, subsociety

  2. a high level of taste and enlightenment as a result of extensive intellectual training and exposure to the arts

    "by the 18th century Boston had reached a level of civilization sufficiently advanced to support a circle of portrait painters"

    similar: accomplishment, couth, cultivation, culture, polish, refinement
    related: education, erudition, intellectualism, intellectuality, knowledge, learning, literacy, scholarship, cosmopolitanism, sophistication, urbanity, breeding, genteelness, gentility, manners, class, elegance, grace, taste, civility, courteousness, courtesy, politeness
    opposite: barbarianism, barbarism, philistinism
    near: ignorance, illiteracy, parochialism, provincialism, rusticity, unsophistication, boorishness, churlishness, clownishness, coarseness, crudeness, vulgarity

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Civilization

The most common words with a similar meaning to Civilization:

culture, life, lifestyle, society, accomplishment, couth, cultivation, polish, refinement

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Civilization

Words with the opposite meaning of Civilization:

barbarianism, barbarism, philistinism

Related Words for Civilization

customs, manners, mores, values, folklore, heritage, legacy, tradition, subculture, subsociety, education, erudition, intellectualism, intellectuality, knowledge, learning, literacy, scholarship, cosmopolitanism, sophistication, urbanity, breeding, genteelness, gentility, class, elegance, grace, taste, civility, courteousness

Near Antonyms of Civilization

ignorance, illiteracy, parochialism, provincialism, rusticity, unsophistication, boorishness, churlishness, clownishness, coarseness, crudeness, vulgarity

Word Forms of Civilization

Derived words: civilizational (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Civilization

First known use: 1760

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Civilization

Frequently Asked Questions about Civilization

What does "Civilization" mean?

"Civilization" means a relatively high level of cultural and technological development; specifically, the stage of cultural development at which writing and the keeping of written records is attained. As a noun, it is defined as: a relatively high level of cultural and technological development; specifically, the stage of cultural development at which writing and the keeping of written records is attained. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Civilization"?

Other words for "Civilization" include culture, life, lifestyle, society, accomplishment, couth, cultivation and polish. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Civilization" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Civilization"?

There are 41 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Civilization". Common alternatives include culture, life, lifestyle, society, accomplishment, couth, cultivation, polish and refinement.

What is the opposite of "Civilization"?

Antonyms of "Civilization" include barbarianism, barbarism and philistinism. Near antonyms include ignorance, illiteracy, parochialism and provincialism.

How do you use "Civilization" in a sentence?

Examples of "Civilization" in a sentence: "a documentary on the advanced civilization created by the Mayas over a thousand years ago"; "by the 18th century Boston had reached a level of civilization sufficiently advanced to support a circle of portrait painters".

Is "Civilization" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Civilization" is a noun.

Is "Civilization" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Civilization" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Civilization"?

"Civilization" is pronounced /ˌsi-və-lə-ˈzā-shən/ and divided into syllables as civ·i·li·za·tion.