civilized
civilized — 形容詞
1. Describing a society, country, or community that has advanced systems of governm
文明的
社會制度發達進步的
Describing a society, country, or community that has advanced systems of government, law, education, and culture, and generally treats its people in a fair and just way.
In a truly civilized nation, all children receive free education and proper medical care.
在真正文明的國家，所有孩子都能獲得免費教育與完善的醫療照顧。
collocation: civilized nation / civilized society
The ambassador praised the two countries for building a civilized relationship based on mutual respect.
大使讚揚兩國建立了基於互相尊重的文明關係。
collocation: civilized relationship
Ravi was proud to live in a city with civilized transport and clean streets.
Ravi 為自己住在一個交通完善、街道乾淨的城市感到驕傲。
No civilized government would ignore the basic needs of its poorest citizens.
沒有哪個文明的政府會忽視最貧困國民的基本需求。
After years of conflict, the region finally built a civilized system of laws and courts.
經過多年的衝突，該地區終於建立了文明的法律與法院制度。
- advanced
Focuses on technological and economic development rather than fairness or culture.
- developed
More neutral; describes economic and industrial growth without the moral judgment of 'civilized'.
- enlightened
Emphasises progressive, tolerant, and rational attitudes in a society.
- uncivilized
Direct opposite; describes a society lacking advanced systems or fair treatment.
- primitive
Suggests an early stage of development, often with negative connotations.
文法句型
civilized + noun (society / nation / country / world)
用法筆記
Commonly used as an attributive adjective before nouns like 'society', 'nation', 'world', and 'country'. It implies both material development and fair treatment of people.
常見錯誤
2. Acting with politeness, self-control, and respect toward others, especially when
有禮的
行為舉止文明有禮的
Acting with politeness, self-control, and respect toward others, especially when discussing disagreements or dealing with difficult situations.
Leila remained civilized during the debate, listening carefully without interrupting her opponent.
Leila 在辯論中保持風度，仔細聆聽，不打斷對手的發言。
remain + civilized (link-verb pattern)
Tomás showed civilized behaviour by waiting his turn and thanking the staff afterward.
Tomás 表現出有禮的態度，耐心排隊等候並向工作人員道謝。
civilized behaviour
Even when the customer complained loudly, the manager stayed calm and civilized.
即使顧客大聲抱怨，經理依然保持冷靜和禮貌。
A civilized person does not shout at waiters, no matter how long the food takes.
有教養的人不會對著服務生大吼大叫，不管餐點等多久都一樣。
Yusuf and Priya settled their disagreement in a civilized way, without harsh words or anger.
Yusuf 和 Priya 用文明的方式解決了歧見，沒有說任何傷人的話。
- polite
More general and commonly used for everyday good manners; lacks the 'calm under pressure' implication.
- courteous
More formal; suggests deliberate, respectful behaviour often in professional settings.
- civil
Describes the minimum acceptable level of politeness, often implying restraint rather than warmth.
- rude
Direct opposite; describes behaviour that is impolite or disrespectful.
- uncivilized
In this sense, describes behaviour that is wild, aggressive, or lacking self-control.
文法句型
be / stay / remain + civilized
civilized + noun (behaviour / way / manner / discussion)
用法筆記
Frequently used in the pattern 'stay/remain civilized' to describe keeping calm under pressure. Also common in negative constructions such as 'it is not civilized to...'.
常見錯誤
3. Describing a place, environment, or way of living that offers ease, comfort, and
舒適的
生活便利舒適的
Describing a place, environment, or way of living that offers ease, comfort, and the modern conveniences people expect, often in contrast to rougher or more basic conditions.
The hotel room felt civilized, with soft beds, hot water, and a garden view.
這間飯店房間感覺很舒適，有柔軟的床鋪、熱水和花園景觀。
civilized with [amenities] (complement pattern)
After a week of camping, the family enjoyed the civilized comforts of their own home.
露營一週後，全家人都很享受自己家裡舒適便利的設施。
civilized comforts
Hana prefers a civilized lifestyle with a warm bath after work and home-cooked meals.
Hana 偏好舒適的生活方式，下班後泡個熱水澡，吃自己做的菜。
The old farmhouse was surprisingly civilized once they fixed the heating and added a bathroom.
那間老農舍在他們修好暖氣並加裝浴室後，變得意外地舒適便利。
What Bao calls a civilized weekend means good food, a book, and no phone calls.
Bao 所謂的舒適週末就是吃好東西、看本書、沒有電話打擾。
- comfortable
More general and neutral; lacks the contrast with rough conditions that 'civilized' implies.
- pleasant
Focuses on enjoyment rather than convenience or modern facilities.
- luxurious
Suggests a higher degree of wealth and indulgence beyond what 'civilized' conveys.
文法句型
feel / look / seem + civilized
civilized + noun (lifestyle / comfort / surroundings)
用法筆記
Often used humorously or to highlight a contrast with something basic, rustic, or uncomfortable. The sense carries a touch of personal appreciation rather than objective description.