civilized

/ˈsɪv.ɪ.laɪzd/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Having a highly developed society or culture; belonging to civilization.

Adjective

Examples

In the year 1521, when Cortez reached Anahuac, the American bison was seen for the first time by civilized Europeans, if we may be permitted to thus characterize the horde of blood thirsty plunder seekers who fought their way to the Aztec capital.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Showing evidence of moral and intellectual advancement; humane, reasonable, ethical.

Adjective

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “civilized” mean?

Having a highly developed society or culture; belonging to civilization.

Is “civilized” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.