Civilization Meaning and Definition
Civilization
Pronunciation
/ˌsɪvɪlɪˈzeɪʃən/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A complex and organized society that is commonly characterized by its systems of governance, economy, culture, and technology, typically consisting of multiple social classes and geographic territories.
Examples
- The rise of ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Greece had a profound impact on human history.
- The modern world is characterized by the interconnection of various civilizations, leading to global cultural and economic exchange.
Synonyms
- Society
- Culture
Antonyms
- Barbarism
- The Wild
Etymology
The word “civilization” comes from the Latin “civilis,” meaning “of or pertaining to a citizen,” and the suffix “-ation,” forming a noun indicating a process or state.
Usage Notes
In academic and historical contexts, the term “civilization” is often used to describe the development of complex societies, while in literary and philosophical contexts, it may refer to the collective achievements and creations of human civilization.
Cultural References
Civilization has been depicted in numerous films, books, and TV shows, including Orson Welles’s “Citizen Kane,” Frank Herbert’s “Dune,” and the video game series “Civilization.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“The fall of civilization” or “the end of civilization as we know it,” referring to a catastrophic event or collapse of society.
Related Words or Phrases
- Primitive
- Culture
- Society
Collocations
- culture vs. civilization
- advanced civilization
- failure of civilization
Frequency of Use
While the word “civilization” is not as frequently used as some other terms, it remains an important concept in many academic and professional fields, particularly in the humanities and social sciences.
Common Misspellings
- Sivilization
- Civilazation