civilization

英 [ˌsɪvɪlaɪˈzeɪʃən] 美[,sɪvələ'zeʃən]

• n. 文明；文化

1. a society in an advanced state of social development (e.g., with complex legal and political and religious organizations);

"the people slowly progressed from barbarism to civilization"

2. the social process whereby societies achieve civilization

3. a particular society at a particular time and place;

"early Mayan civilization"

4. the quality of excellence in thought and manners and taste;

"a man of intellectual refinement"

"he is remembered for his generosity and civilization"