civilisation

civilization

noun see-vee-lee-zah-SYOHN Less Common

Origin: Latin civilis

Usage Note

Civilisation refers to a developed society and its culture. The concept was central to French colonial ideology (mission civilisatrice). Related words include civilisé (civilised) and civiliser (to civilise).

Examples

"Nous étudions la civilisation romaine en classe."

Natural Translation

We are studying Roman civilization in class.

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