Definition

1. Noun:
   • The quality of excellence in thought, manners, and taste: "Civilisation" refers to a high level of cultural and social development, characterized by refinement and intellectual advancement.
   • A society in an advanced state of social development: This meaning denotes a complex human society, typically with developed systems of government, law, culture, and technology.
   • A particular society at a particular time and place: "Civilisation" can refer to a specific historically or geographically distinct advanced society.
   • The social process of achieving an advanced stage of development: It describes the overall process by which societies evolve from simpler to more complex, organized states.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The museum exhibits showcase the art and civilisation of ancient Greece.
  • The spread of education is fundamental to the progress of civilisation.
  • Scholars study the factors that led to the collapse of that civilisation.

Advanced Usage

• "A beacon of civilisation": used to describe a place or society regarded as a pinnacle of cultural and social advancement.
  • For centuries, the city was considered a beacon of civilisation in the region.
• "The cradle of civilisation": refers to a region where civilisation is thought to have originated.
  • Mesopotamia is often called the cradle of civilisation.

Variants and Related Words

• Civilization: The standard American English spelling of "civilisation".
• Civilise (verb): To bring to a more advanced or humane stage of social development.
  • The mission aimed to civilise the remote tribes. (Note: This usage is now often considered dated or ethnocentric.)
• Civilised (adjective): Characterized by refined taste, manners, and social organization.
  • They had a very civilised discussion over tea.

Synonyms

• Culture: The customs, arts, and institutions of a particular nation or social group.
• Society: An organized community of people with shared laws, traditions, and values.

Related Phrases

• Clash of civilisations: A theoretical concept describing conflict between different cultural or civilizational identities.
  • The book discusses the potential for a clash of civilisations in the modern world.
• Advances of civilisation: The progressive developments and achievements of a society.
  • The invention of writing was one of the great advances of civilisation.

Noun

1. the quality of excellence in thought and manners and taste
   • a man of intellectual refinement
   • he is remembered for his generosity and civilization
2. a society in an advanced state of social development (e.g., with complex legal and political and religious organizations)
   • the people slowly progressed from barbarism to civilization
3. a particular society at a particular time and place
   • early Mayan civilization
4. the social process whereby societies achieve an advanced stage of development and organization