Enclave Meaning and Definition
Enclave
Pronunciation
/ˈɛnklæv/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A geographically defined area within a larger country or region that has its own political or administrative authority, often with distinct cultural, ethnic, or linguistic characteristics.
Examples
- The Swiss region of Zermatt is an enclave within the Italian-speaking canton of Valais.
- Danish exclaves in Eastern Germany are known as enclaves.
Synonyms
- Exclave
- Outpost
Antonyms
- Hinterland
- Periphery
Etymology
The word “enclave” originates from the Old French word “claugier,” meaning “to shut in,” and is derived from the verb “claustrer,” meaning “to enclose” or “to shut up.”
Usage Notes
The term “enclave” is often used to describe territories that are geographically separate from the main body of a country, but under its administrative control. It can also refer to small areas within another country or region that have distinct cultural or ethnic characteristics.
Cultural References
The concept of enclaves has been depicted in various forms of media, including literature, film, and video games. Notable examples include:
- The novel “The Good Soldier Švejk” by Jaroslav Hašek, which features a Czech enclave within a larger Austro-Hungarian Empire.
- The film “The Great Beauty” by Paolo Sorrentino, which portrays the Italian enclave of Campidoglio within Rome.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Some common idiomatic expressions involving enclaves include:
- “a pocket of sovereignty” to describe a small, geographically separate area under its own administration.
- “an island of normalcy” to describe an enclave as a relatively normal or safe area within a larger region.
Related Words or Phrases
Some related words and phrases include:
- Outpost
- Island
- Oasis
Collocations
Some common collocations with the word “enclave” include:
- “geographical enclave”
- “administrative enclave”
- “cultural enclave”
Frequency of Use
The term “enclave” is relatively rare in everyday language, but is more commonly used in academic, geographical, and cultural contexts.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of the word “enclave” include:
- Encalve
- Enclavee