civilizable
Definition
Adjective
- Capable of being civilized: "civilizable" describes a person, group, or society that can be brought to a state of advanced social, cultural, and moral development through education, organization, or influence.
Example: The settlers believed the local tribes were civilizable through trade and instruction. (They thought the groups could adopt a more organized way of life.)
Usage Examples
- (Capable of achieving a higher cultural state.)
- (Able to be transformed into a more advanced society.)
Advanced Usage
- "civilizable nature": the inherent potential of a person or community to become civilized. (Their belief that the villagers could change.)
- "civilizable material": raw human potential that can be shaped by civilized norms. (People considered capable of assimilation.)
Variants and Related Words
- Civilize (verb): to bring out of a primitive or savage state into a more advanced one. (To improve society.)
- Civilization (noun): an advanced state of human society with organized culture, government, and technology. (Advanced culture.)
- Civilized (adjective): having a developed culture and social order. (Organized and advanced.)
Synonyms
- Educable: capable of being taught or trained (focus on learning). (Able to be educated.)
- Trainable: able to be disciplined or shaped into a desired form. (Capable of being instructed.)
Related Idioms
- "Become civilized": to adopt the customs, laws, and manners of an advanced society. (They adopted new ways of life.)
- "Civilizing mission": the belief that a group has a duty to bring civilization to others. (A supposed obligation to improve others.)
Note on Usage
- This word is rare in modern English and often carries a historical or colonial tone. It is typically used to describe a process that assumes one culture is superior to another. Use cautiously in contemporary contexts.