Empire Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ɪmˈpaɪər/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A powerful and large-scale complex of institutions, people, or corporations that dominate or control a particular sphere, territory, or region; a territory or region controlled or dominated by one of these.

Examples

• The Roman Empire was one of the most powerful empires in history.
• The British Empire was a global empire that spanned several centuries.

Synonyms

• Power
• Influence
• Authority

Antonyms

• Weakened
• Subordinate

Additional Information

Empires have played a significant role in human history, with many empires rising and falling over the centuries. They have often been characterized by their military power, economic influence, and cultural achievements. Empires can also be seen as a means of legitimation and sanctification, with rulers often claiming divine right or divine authority. Empires often leave lasting legacies, both positive and negative, and their impact can be felt for generations to come.

Etymology

The word “empire” comes from the Latin “imperium”, which means “power”, “authority”, or “control”. This word was originally used to describe the power or authority of a Roman magistrate, and later came to be used to describe the territories or regions under Roman rule.

Usage Notes

Emperium is typically used to describe a large-scale complex of institutions, people, or corporations that dominate or control a particular sphere, territory, or region. It can be used to describe historical empires, such as the Roman Empire or the British Empire, or to describe contemporary empires, such as multinational corporations or international organizations.

Cultural References

The concept of empire has been featured in many works of fiction, including novels, films, and television shows. Examples include the Star Wars franchise, which features the Galactic Empire, and the TV series “Game of Thrones”, which features several competing empires.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• The American Empire
• The Age of Empires
• To build an empire

Related Words or Phrases

• Colony
• Territory
• Influence

Collocations

• Chinese Empire
• Russian Empire
• American Empire

Frequency of Use

Empire is a relatively common word in modern usage, particularly in the context of history, politics, and culture. It is often used to describe a large-scale complex of institutions, people, or corporations that dominate or control a particular sphere, territory, or region.

Common Misspellings

• Impire
• Impier
• Impere