How to pronounce civilise
Say it like SIV-ih-lyze. Civilise has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SIV).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce civilise. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SIV
- ih
- lyze
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Civilise pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SIVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- lyzeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of civilise
American and British speakers say civilise in essentially the same way: /ˈsɪvɪlaɪz/ in the US and /ˈsɪvɪlaɪz/ in the UK.
British respelling: SIV-ih-lyze.
What does civilise mean?
- To educate or enlighten a person or people to a perceived higher standard of behavior.
- To introduce or impose the standards of one civilization upon another civilization, group or person, arguably with the intent of achieving a perceived higher standard of behavior.
- To bring from a state of savagery to an educated or refined state.
Where does civilise come from?
From civil + -ise.
Questions about saying civilise
How do you pronounce civilise?
Say SIV-ih-lyze. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɪvɪlaɪz/. In British English it is /ˈsɪvɪlaɪz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in civilise?
Civilise has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SIV). Broken into parts: SIV · ih · lyze.
Do Americans and Brits say civilise the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsɪvɪlaɪz/ and the British form is /ˈsɪvɪlaɪz/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.