French Conversation · Level 53
75 words
French word
civilisation
Pronunciation
IPA/sivilizasjɔ̃/
Meaning
- feminine nouncivilization
Example
On connaît peu la civilisation de cette île.
We know little about the civilization of this island.
More examples
La civilisation moderne dépend souvent de la technologie.
Modern civilization often depends on technology.
Core concept
A society viewed as a whole through its institutions, techniques, and arts as they develop over time.
Common phrases
la civilisation moderne
modern civilization
la civilisation occidentale
Western civilization
une civilisation ancienne
an ancient civilization
Similar words
culture: The customs, beliefs, and arts developed over many years by a particular group.
société: An organized group of people living together and connected by work and rules.
histoire: The record and unfolding sequence of events that happened in the past.
technologie: Knowledge and methods used to create tools, machines, and practical applications.
Definition in French
Ensemble des institutions, des techniques et des arts qui caractérisent le développement d'une société humaine.
Word origin
French civilisation derives from civiliser and ultimately from Latin civilis, 'relating to citizens', from civis, 'citizen'.
Usage tips
- Civilisation usually concerns a whole society or historical period, while culture more often concerns shared ways of life, arts, or personal tastes.