Definition: raise from a barbaric to a civilized state
Usage: The wild child found wandering in the forest was gradually civilized
Similar words: alter, change, modify
Definition: cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
Usage: The advent of the automobile may have altered the growth pattern of the city; The discussion has changed my thinking about the issue
Synonyms: civilise, civilize, train, school, educate, cultivate
Definition: teach or refine to be discriminative in taste or judgment
Usage: Cultivate your musical taste; Train your tastebuds; She is well schooled in poetry
Similar words: polish, refine, fine-tune, down
Definition: improve or perfect by pruning or polishing
Usage: refine one's style of writing