Spanish word

civilizar

Pronunciation

IPA/θiβiliˈθaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbcivilize

Example

La industrialización ayudó a civilizar muchas zonas rurales.

Industrialization helped civilize many rural areas.

Illustration for civilizar (civilize)

More examples

En la convivencia diaria, pequeñas normas pueden civilizar el trato entre vecinos.

In everyday life, small rules can civilize how neighbors interact.

Core concept

Teaching civic norms, public manners, and institutional practices.

Common phrases

  • civilizar los modales

    civilize manners

  • civilizar el comportamiento

    civilize conduct

Similar words

enseñar: Teaches facts and practical skills through explanation, demonstration, and guided practice.
educar: Shapes a person's character, manners, and social habits through upbringing and guidance.
socializar: Interacts with others in groups and learns group customs, roles, and ways of getting along.

Definition in Spanish

Dar carácter cívico o cultural a personas, regiones o instituciones para que adopten comportamientos y normas considerados civilizados.

Word origin

Borrowed into Spanish from Latin civilis 'of a citizen' and shaped by the Romance verb pattern (compare French civiliser), with -izar producing the verb meaning to instill civic character.

Usage tips

  • Spanish often uses civilizar for broad social or historical change rather than individual polish, and the collocation civilizar a alguien can feel offensive if it implies cultural superiority.

Other meanings

  • educateverb

Related words

Word lists with this word