Civilization Meaning

UK /ˌsɪvɪlaɪˈzeɪʃən/
US /ˌsɪvəlʌɪˈzeɪʃən/
Word Definition
civilization meaning

Civilization Definition & Usage

noun

The advanced stage of human social development, marked by the development of cities, writing, government, and other forms of cultural, technological, and economic organization.

Examples

  • "The rise of ancient Egyptian civilization is one of the most remarkable in history."
  • "Modern civilization faces numerous challenges, including climate change and economic inequality."
  • "The collapse of the Roman civilization was a pivotal moment in Western history."
  • "In school, we learned about the different civilizations of the ancient world, such as Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley."
  • "The spread of Western civilization has had a profound impact on global culture and politics."
noun

A particular society or culture, often used to describe the lifestyle, values, and practices of a group of people.

Examples

  • "The civilization of ancient Greece influenced Western thought and democracy."
  • "She admired the civilization of the Japanese culture, especially their art and philosophy."
  • "In literature, the decline of civilization is a common theme in dystopian novels."
  • "The nomadic tribes had their own unique civilization that differed greatly from settled agricultural communities."
  • "The civilization of the Aztecs was highly advanced in mathematics and astronomy."
noun

The behavior and attitudes that show good manners, respect for others, and a sense of social responsibility.

Examples

  • "She was praised for her civilization during the dinner, as she was always polite and considerate."
  • "In some cultures, the level of civilization is judged by how well people treat one another."
  • "The diplomat's civilization during the tense negotiations helped ease tensions between the countries."
  • "Teaching children civilization includes guiding them to be respectful and mindful of others' feelings."
  • "In many societies, civilization is linked to education and moral development."

Cultural Context

Civilization has long been a key concept in the study of history, anthropology, and sociology. The term often evokes images of great empires and ancient cultures, but it also plays a role in discussions about modern society and the future. In contemporary debates, it can refer to the moral and cultural values that underpin society, and whether humanity is progressing or declining.

The Last Witness of Civilization

Story

The Last Witness of Civilization

In the quiet of the late afternoon, Mara stood on the edge of the ancient city, her eyes tracing the crumbling walls of what was once a thriving civilization. She had heard stories of its glory—vast markets, grand temples, and sophisticated systems of government. But now, all that remained were ruins, whispers of a bygone era. Her grandfather had been one of the last historians who had studied the civilization closely before its ultimate fall. 'The civilization was like a great tree,' he had told her, 'it grew tall and strong, but the roots grew weak, and eventually, it collapsed under its own weight.' Mara, an archaeologist herself, had always been fascinated by the idea of civilization. To her, it was not just a collection of monuments or buildings, but the very essence of human achievement. As she carefully examined the artifacts that lay buried beneath the dirt, she thought of the people who had once lived here—of their art, their philosophy, their sense of social responsibility. She thought of her own time, of the rapid pace of technological advancement and the pressing issues that faced modern civilization. Was humanity evolving or were they repeating the mistakes of those who came before? As the sun dipped below the horizon, Mara's thoughts turned inward. She was part of a civilization that was perhaps too absorbed in its own progress to notice the small cracks appearing. Yet, she remained hopeful. Civilization, after all, was not a stagnant thing. It could be rebuilt, reimagined, and perhaps, this city, now forgotten, could teach her how.

The Last Witness of Civilization