Colonialist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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colonialist
[kษหlษสnษชษlษชst ]
Definition
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?
Word | Description / Examples |
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colonialist |
Best used when referring to a person, policy, or practice connected with establishing, exploiting, and maintaining colonies abroad. Often, it implies systemic exploitation.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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 colonizersโ 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.
- Thereโs a growing movement to decolonize minds, education, and institutions to rectify colonial biases in contemporary society.
Origin of 'colonialist'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The term 'colonialist' originated in the mid-19th century and is derived from the word 'colonialism'. Colonialism has a long history dating back to the European exploration and colonization of the Americas, Africa, and Asia. The practice of colonialism has had significant social, economic, and political impacts on both the colonizers and the colonized. While some view colonialists as pioneers of civilization, others see them as oppressors and exploiters. The debate around colonialism and colonialists continues to be a topic of discussion in post-colonial studies and global politics.
See also: colonial.
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.
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- 26029 obsequious
- 26030 unbeliever
- 26031 sop
- 26032 colonialist
- 26033 toning
- 26034 twixt
- 26035 tarmac
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