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Colonialist: meaning, definitions and examples

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colonialist

 

[kəˈləʊnɪəlɪst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

history

A person who supports or advocates for colonialism, which is the policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.

Synonyms

colonizer, imperialist, settler.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
colonialist

Best used when referring to a person, policy, or practice connected with establishing, exploiting, and maintaining colonies abroad. Often, it implies systemic exploitation.

  • The colonialist policies of the 19th century led to significant changes in indigenous cultures.
  • He was criticized for his colonialist attitude towards the local population.
imperialist

Ideal for referring to a person or policy favoring the extension of a country's power through territorial acquisition or political and economic control. This term is often used in a critical way.

  • The imperialist ambitions of the nation caused numerous conflicts.
  • Critics labeled the foreign policy as imperialist and aggressive.
colonizer

Used to describe a person, country, or entity that establishes a colony. This word often carries a negative connotation when referring to the exploitation and domination of native populations.

  • The colonizers imposed their language and religion on the local tribes.
  • Many see the colonizers as oppressors who disrupted ancient civilizations.
settler

Best used when referring to a person who moves to a new area to live, especially in the context of newly established villages or towns. This term is more neutral and can be used in historical as well as modern contexts.

  • The early settlers faced many hardships in the new land.
  • Settlers established small farming communities in the valley.

Examples of usage

  • The colonialists believed in the superiority of their culture.
  • Many colonialists viewed the indigenous people as inferior.
  • The colonialists imposed their language and customs on the native population.
  • Colonialists often justified their actions as bringing progress and civilization to the colonies.
  • The legacy of colonialists can still be seen in many former colonies.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from 'colonial', which relates to colonies, and has French roots from 'colonie' meaning 'settlement'.
  • Usage of the word began in the 19th century during the height of European empires and their territorial expansions.

Historical Context

  • During the 1500s to the 1900s, European powers like Britain, France, and Spain established colonial empires across Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
  • Colonialism has resulted in lasting impacts on language, culture, and political boundaries in many places around the world.

Cultural Impacts

  • The literature and art produced during colonial periods often depicted indigenous people as 'others', showcasing a power imbalance.
  • Post-colonial studies explore identities and cultures shaped by colonial histories and the struggle for independence.

Economic Influence

  • Colonialism often involved extracting resources from colonies, benefiting the colonizers’ economies while exploiting local populations.
  • Plantations established in the Americas relied heavily on enslaved labor taken from Africa, highlighting economic motivations behind colonial expansion.

Modern Perspectives

  • Many modern societies reflect on their colonial past, leading to discussions about reparations, land rights, and historical narratives.
  • There’s a growing movement to decolonize minds, education, and institutions to rectify colonial biases in contemporary society.

Translations

Translations of the word "colonialist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 colonialista

🇮🇳 उपनिवेशवादी

🇩🇪 Kolonialist

🇮🇩 kolonialis

🇺🇦 колоніаліст

🇵🇱 kolonialista

🇯🇵 植民地主義者

🇫🇷 colonialiste

🇪🇸 colonialista

🇹🇷 sömürgeci

🇰🇷 식민주의자

🇸🇦 استعماري

🇨🇿 kolonialista

🇸🇰 kolonialista

🇨🇳 殖民主义者

🇸🇮 kolonialist

🇮🇸 nýlendusinni

🇰🇿 отаршыл

🇬🇪 კოლონიალისტი

🇦🇿 müstəmləkəçi

🇲🇽 colonialista

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,032, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.