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Meaning & use

colonialism

noun·Academic

Last updated

UK/kəˈləʊniəlɪzəm/
US/kəˈloʊniəlɪzəm/

Meanings

  1. noununcountable

    The practice of one country taking control of another territory and its people, often settling there and using its resources.

    Grammar: Uncountable; used to talk about the system or period in general, not a single event.

    Patterns

    • European colonialism
    • the legacy of colonialism
    • under colonialism

    Many African countries gained independence after centuries of European colonialism.

    The novel explores the lasting effects of colonialism on local cultures.

    Colonialism often involved forcing local people to work for the benefit of the ruling country.

  2. noununcountabledisapproving

    The set of beliefs or policies that support controlling other territories, sometimes used disapprovingly.

    Grammar: Uncountable; often appears in political discussions or criticism.

    Patterns

    • criticize colonialism
    • a form of colonialism

    Critics argue that modern economic policies can amount to a new form of colonialism.

    The professor's book attacks colonialism as unjust and destructive.

Common combinations

the legacy of colonialism
The legacy of colonialism can still be seen in the country's borders.
European colonialism
European colonialism shaped trade routes around the world.
settler colonialism
Settler colonialism involved large numbers of people moving to and staying in the new territory.
under colonialism
Under colonialism, local languages were often banned in schools.
the end of colonialism
The end of colonialism brought new political challenges.

Synonyms and how they differ

imperialism
Broader: it means dominating other countries politically or economically, even without sending settlers.
neocolonialism
Refers to indirect control through economics or culture rather than direct rule.

Opposites

independencedecolonization

Word family

colonial adjective
Relating to a colony or colonialism.
colony noun
A territory controlled by another country.
colonize verb
To establish control over a territory and settle it.
colonialist noun
A supporter or practitioner of colonialism.

Commonly confused: colonialism or imperialism?

colonialism vs imperialism

Imperialism is a wider term for one country's power over others; colonialism specifically involves settling and directly ruling the territory.

Practice

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