Colony Meaning and Definition
Colony
Pronunciation
/ˈkɒləni/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A colony is a group of people or animals that settle in a new place, often establishing a new community or settlement. It can also refer to a territory or state that is controlled or governed by a more powerful entity.
Examples
1. “The country established a colony on the distant island.”
2. “The colony of ants worked together to build a complex underground network.”
Synonyms
1. Settlement
2. Outpost
3. Territory
Antonyms
1. Independence
2. Sovereignty
Additional Information
A colony can be a self-sufficient community, with its own government, economy, and social structure. However, it can also be a territory that is subject to the control of a more powerful entity, such as a country or empire. Colonies have been established throughout history, often as a result of imperialism, exploration, or trade.
Colonies can be classified into different types, such as penal colonies, where prisoners are sent to settle, or military colonies, where soldiers are stationed to protect the territory. Colonies can also be established for economic purposes, such as to extract natural resources or to establish trade routes.
Today, the concept of a colony is often associated with colonialism, which is the practice of one country or power establishing control over another territory or people. However, colonies can also be established for other purposes, such as for scientific research or for environmental conservation.
Etymology
The word “colony” comes from the Latin word “colonia,” which means “settlement” or “farm.” It was first used in the 14th century to refer to a group of people who settled in a new place.
Usage Notes
The word “colony” can be used in different contexts, such as in history, politics, or biology. When referring to a human settlement, it is often used to describe a group of people who have established a new community in a distant or foreign land. In biology, it can refer to a group of animals or plants that live together in a specific area.
Cultural References
The concept of a colony has been referenced in popular culture, such as in science fiction movies and books, where colonies are often established on distant planets or in space. It has also been referenced in historical dramas, where colonies are often depicted as being established by European powers in the Americas or Africa.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
1. “Colony of bees” – a group of bees that live together in a hive.
2. “Colony of artists” – a group of artists who live and work together in a specific area.
Collocations
1. “Establish a colony”
2. “Colony of people”
3. “Colony of animals”
Frequency of Use
The word “colony” is commonly used in historical and scientific contexts, but it is not as frequently used in everyday conversation. According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, the word “colony” is used approximately 0.5 times per million words.
Common Misspellings
1. “Coloney”
2. “Collony”
3. “Colonee”