How to Pronounce Civilization

To pronounce "civilization", say civ-il-iz-AT-ion — 5 syllables, IPA /ˌsɪvəɫɪˈzeɪʃən/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

civilization

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Accent

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Speed

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5

Syllables

12

Letters

/ˌsɪvəɫɪˈzeɪʃən/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “civilization”

Break "civilization" into 5 beats and lean on "AT" — that's the stressed one. It rhymes with trepidation and indignation, if that helps it stick.

What does civilization mean?

noun

  1. An organized culture encompassing many communities, often on the scale of a nation or a people; a stage or system of social, political or technical development.

    “Modern civilization is a product of industrialization and globalization.”

  2. Human society, particularly civil society.

    “A hermit doesn't much care for civilization.”

proper noun

  1. Collectively, those people of the world considered to have a high standard of behavior and / or a high level of development. Commonly subjectively used by people of one society to exclusively refer to their society, or their elite sub-group, or a few associated societies, implying all others, in time or geography or status, as something less than civilised, as savages or barbarians. cf refinement, elitism, civilised society, the Civilised World

Synonyms

acculturationeducationspherecultureorderhomethe land of the living

Hear “civilization” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with civilization

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

trepidationindignationexhilarationvenerationelationcondemnationgratificationinclinationaspirationdesolationaffirmationrumination

Related words

societycultureculturalcivilizedcivilcivilisationcivilisedenlightenment

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "civilization"?▾

"Civilization" has 5 syllables: civ · il · iz · at · ion.

What is the IPA transcription of "civilization"?▾

The IPA transcription of "civilization" is /ˌsɪvəɫɪˈzeɪʃən/.

What does "civilization" mean?▾

Civilization: An organized culture encompassing many communities, often on the scale of a nation or a people; a stage or system of social, political or technical development.

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