civilize
/ˈsɪvəlaɪz/
CEFR level C1Topic SocietyWord #6787 in the learning path
使文明；使有教养
Definitions
v. to make people behave more politely or develop organized societies
使文明；使有教养
Example
My aunt jokes that dancing lessons will civilize me.
姑妈开玩笑说，舞蹈课会让我变得有教养。
Historical claims that foreign rule would civilize local populations often concealed unequal power relations and cultural prejudice.
历史上所谓外来统治能使当地民众文明化的说法，往往掩盖了不平等的权力关系和文化偏见。
Collocations
- civilize society
- attempt to civilize
Word family
- civilization (n.)
- civilized (adj.)
- uncivilized (adj.)
Usage tip
谈论民族时易带优越或殖民色彩；英式也拼 civilise。
FAQ
- What does civilize mean?
- to make people behave more politely or develop organized societies
- How is civilize pronounced?
- UK /ˈsɪvəlaɪz/, US /ˈsɪvəlaɪz/. Use the audio buttons above to listen.
