civilization

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "civilization" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that refers to a society that is highly developed in terms of its technological, social, and cultural aspects. For example, "The ancient civilizations of Egypt and Greece have left us with many impressive archaeological artifacts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

iPhone Civilization Revolution 2 (£10.49) Along with Championship Manager, the original Civilization hoovered up a significant chunk of my teenage gaming time.

The Guardian - Tech

Then, when the time came, those leaders failed to attend the games in a show of solidarity against international terrorism, which is the greatest common threat to western civilization.

The Guardian - Opinion

Given that continued use of coal around the globe now and in the future risks serious implications for human civilization, the fact that coal is being "demonised" is perhaps understandable.

The Guardian

Steve Papa, CEO at Endeca, gives his introduction for the panel session on the internet and civilization.

The Guardian

Then, you'll have to accept that at the end of all that history, the net result of all that civilization and progress will be the same: the citizens of the city screaming for blood at a game involving two nets, a ball, and bad, evil people from somewhere else".

The Guardian

But what if that message warns we might want to rethink that whole fossil fuel burning thing pretty quick because it could seriously alter civilization and the natural world for centuries to come, and not in a good way?

The Guardian

One such school is the "Eurasianist" theory of geopolitics which stresses the distinctiveness of Russian civilization and refuses to let Russia be judged by European standards.

The Economist

'Madness and civilization: A history of insanity in the age of reason'.

The Economist

He eschewed small-mindedness and boorish patriotism, and admired the Jews, whom he described as "pegs in the building of European civilization".Amid all this cultural output, the Kit-Cats also found time for politics, becoming a centre of the reformist Whig cause and ultimately government.

The Economist

How could she be expected to save civilization from the seemingly invincible forces of darkness at this late stage?

The New York Times

This autumn, a new European course was inaugurated: a compulsory, year-long study of western civilization from ancient Greece to the Romantics, taking in Christianity, Renaissance humanism and the Enlightenment, as well as the 12th-century interplay between Rome, Byzantium and Islam.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "civilization" to refer to broad cultural and societal contexts, being mindful of the specific civilization you are discussing (e.g., "ancient Greek civilization" rather than just "civilization").

Common error

Avoid using "civilization" in a way that implies a single, universal standard. Different cultures have unique values and achievements, and it's important to acknowledge this diversity.

Linguistic Context

The noun "civilization" functions as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It denotes a complex and organized human society, typically with advanced cultural, technological, and social development. Examples provided by Ludwig show its usage in describing both specific civilizations and civilization in a broader, more abstract sense.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "civilization" is a frequently used noun that refers to an organized and advanced human society. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and wide applicability of this term. As shown in the examples, "civilization" appears in a variety of contexts, including news, academic research, and formal discussions. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to avoid overgeneralization and recognize the diversity of cultural achievements when using "civilization". Common alternatives include "developed society" and "advanced culture", offering subtle nuances in meaning. Understanding the appropriate contexts and potential pitfalls ensures more effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

developed society

Focuses on the advancement and progress of a society, emphasizing its sophisticated state.

advanced culture

Highlights the level of sophistication and complexity within a culture.

organized society

Emphasizes the structured and systematic nature of a community.

cultural development

Refers to the process of growth and refinement in a society's cultural aspects.

societal progress

Indicates advancement and improvement in the overall condition of a society.

refined society

Highlights the sophistication and elegance achieved within a society.

human advancement

Focuses on the progress and development of humanity as a whole.

social evolution

Describes the gradual development and change in social structures and behaviors.

state of development

Refers to a specific stage of advancement in a society's growth.

cultural sophistication

Emphasizes the refined and complex nature of a society's culture.

FAQs

How can I use "civilization" in a sentence?

You can use "civilization" to refer to a society's culture, development, and way of life. For example, "The Roman civilization left a lasting impact on law and architecture."

What's a good synonym for "civilization"?

Depending on the context, you might use synonyms like "developed society", "advanced culture", or "organized society".

What are some common characteristics of a "civilization"?

Common characteristics include organized government, agriculture, cities, social classes, specialized labor, arts, architecture, and record-keeping.

Is it appropriate to compare different "civilizations"?

Comparing "civilizations" can be valuable for understanding different cultures and their contributions, but it's important to avoid ethnocentric judgments and appreciate the unique aspects of each "developed society".