Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈkɒləni/

Definitions

1. A territory or region governed or ruled by another country, often distant, and typically settled by people from that country.
2. A group of people who settle in a distant land but remain subject to the jurisdiction of their home country.
3. A group of organisms of the same species living or growing together in close association.
4. A social or political group of people united by shared interests or goals.

Usage Examples

• "The British established a colony in North America in the 17th century."
• "The bees formed a colony in the hollow tree."
• "The political colony advocated for a new form of government."

Etymology

From Latin "colonia" meaning a settlement or farm, derived from "colonus" meaning "farmer" or "settler," referring to people who settled in a distant land, especially in a Roman or colonial context.

Synonyms

• Settlement
• Outpost
• Territory
• Dependency
• Province

Antonyms

• Independence
• Autonomy
• Self-rule
• Home

Translations in Major Global Languages

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "colony" can vary slightly based on accent and dialect. In American English, it is commonly pronounced as /ˈkɑːləni/, while in British English it may sound more like /ˈkɒləni/.

Historical Usage

The term "colony" has been used historically to describe territories claimed and governed by a foreign power, especially during the era of European imperialism and colonization. Colonies were established across the world, particularly in the Americas, Africa, and Asia, where European nations exercised control over local populations and resources.

Cultural Nuances

In modern usage, the word "colony" often carries negative connotations due to its association with imperialism, exploitation, and cultural suppression. However, in some contexts, "colony" can also refer to communities of people or organisms living together, such as a colony of ants or a group of artists working in a specific neighborhood.

More Information

The word "colony" has evolved to encompass both the historical context of territorial domination and a more neutral meaning of a group of people or organisms living together. While colonization led to the establishment of many colonies worldwide, the term has also been applied to non-political entities such as animal colonies or groups with shared interests. The legacy of colonialism continues to shape geopolitical, cultural, and economic landscapes globally.