What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
barbarize
Example
The war had a devastating effect on the country, barbarizing its people and destroying its infrastructure. [barbarize: verb]
Example
The dictator's oppressive regime sought to barbarize the population through fear and violence. [barbarizing: gerund or present participle]
uncivilize
Example
The collapse of the economy led to a breakdown in social order, causing the city to uncivilize rapidly. [uncivilize: verb]
Example
The rise of extremism in the region threatens to uncivilize the once peaceful society. [uncivilizing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Uncivilize is more commonly used than barbarize in everyday language. Uncivilize is a more recognized term and can be used in various contexts to describe the decline of social norms or values. On the other hand, barbarize is less common and may be less familiar to ESL learners.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between barbarize and uncivilize?
Both barbarize and uncivilize are relatively formal words. However, uncivilize is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while barbarize is less commonly used and may be more specific to academic or specialized discussions.
