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Colony Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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colony

[ˈkɒləni ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

animal

A group of animals of the same species living together in a specific area.

Synonyms

community, nest, settlement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
colony

This word often refers to a group of people or animals living together, especially in a new territory or habitat. In history, it's commonly used to describe a group of people who settle in a new place but remain under the rule of their original country.

  • The British established colonies in North America
  • The ant colony worked together to build their underground home
community

This word is used to describe a group of people living in the same area or having a particular characteristic in common. It emphasizes social connections and shared interests or values.

  • The local community came together to clean up the park
  • She found a supportive community of artists in the city
settlement

This word usually describes a place where people have established a community, often in a previously uninhabited area. It can also be used to talk about reaching an agreement or resolving a conflict.

  • The pioneers established a settlement along the river
  • The two companies reached a settlement after months of negotiations
nest

Typically used to describe a home or refuge built by birds, insects, or other animals to live in and protect their young. It can also metaphorically refer to a place that feels safe and cozy.

  • The birds built a nest in the old oak tree
  • He felt like he was in a warm nest whenever he visited his grandparents' house

Examples of usage

  • The ants formed a colony in the backyard.
  • The bees established a colony in the hive.
  • The penguins built their colony near the shore.
Context #2 | Noun

people

A group of people who settle in a new country or area, forming a community under the control of their home country.

Synonyms

outpost, settlement, territory.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
colony

Typically used to describe a territory controlled by a distant country, often related to historical contexts of imperialism.

  • The British colony in India was established in the 17th century
  • Many colonies were founded during the age of exploration
settlement

Describes a community where people establish a new habitation, often in a previously uninhabited area.

  • The Pilgrims founded a settlement in Plymouth in 1620
  • The settlement grew rapidly as more families moved in
territory

Refers to a defined geographic area that can be related to administrative, political, or natural boundaries.

  • The disputed territory was a cause of conflict between the two nations
  • Wildlife conservation efforts are stronger in protected territories
outpost

Used when referring to a remote or frontier settlement usually in a strategic location, often with a military connotation.

  • The soldiers were stationed at a remote outpost in the mountains
  • The trading company set up an outpost to expand their market reach

Examples of usage

  • The British established a colony in India.
  • The Pilgrims founded a colony in America.
  • The Spanish set up colonies in South America.
Context #3 | Noun

biology

A group of cells or organisms that are derived from a single cell and are identical in genetic makeup.

Synonyms

cluster, group.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
colony

This word is often used to describe a group of the same kind of animals or insects living together, especially in large numbers. It can also refer to a group of people who move and live in a new place but remain connected to their original country.

  • The ant colony worked together to gather food.
  • The British colony in America declared independence in 1776.
cluster

This word is typically used to describe a close grouping of similar things positioned closely together. It is often used in scientific contexts, such as astronomy, biology, or data analysis.

  • A cluster of galaxies forms a larger structure in the universe.
  • The grapes grew in tight clusters on the vine.
group

This is a general term for any collection of people, animals, or things that are gathered together. It has a broad application and is used in everyday language.

  • A group of friends decided to go to the movies.
  • The teacher divided the class into small groups for the project.

Examples of usage

  • The bacteria formed a colony on the petri dish.
  • The yeast colony grew rapidly in the culture.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The origin of the term comes from the Latin word 'colonia,' meaning 'farm' or 'settlement' during ancient Roman times.
  • In the 16th to 18th centuries, many European countries established colonies in the Americas as a way to expand their territories and resources.
  • The American colonies were started by settlers seeking freedom from British rule, leading to the American Revolution.

Biology

  • In biology, a colony refers to a group of organisms of the same species that live closely together, such as coral reefs or bacterial colonies.
  • Some species of birds, like penguins, live in very large colonies to help protect themselves from predators.
  • Colonial organisms, like the Portuguese man o' war, are made up of individual organisms that are functionally different but work together as one.

Pop Culture

  • The term 'colony' appears frequently in science fiction literature, often referring to settlements on other planets or in space.
  • In popular games like 'Civilization,' players build and manage colonies as part of their strategy for world domination.
  • Movies like 'Avatar' explore themes of colonization and its impact on native populations and ecosystems.

Psychology

  • In psychology, group dynamics within a colony can show how individuals interact, cooperate, and compete within a community.
  • Research on social species illustrates the advantages of living in colonies, such as enhanced survival and shared resources.
  • Colonial behavior in some animals demonstrates aspects of altruism, where individuals help others at a personal cost.

Geography

  • The Americas, Africa, and parts of Asia saw extensive colonization, leading to significant cultural exchanges, both positive and negative.
  • Modern-day examples of territories often described as colonies involve political debates regarding self-determination and governance.
  • Some islands, like Guam and Puerto Rico, are considered unincorporated territories of a parent country, which affects their political and social status.

Origin of 'colony'

The word 'colony' originates from the Latin word 'colonia', meaning 'settlement' or 'farm'. In ancient times, colonies were established by various civilizations as extensions of their homeland, serving as outposts for trade, military control, or cultural influence. The concept of colonies has evolved over time, with periods of colonization driven by exploration, conquest, and colonization. Colonies have played a significant role in shaping global history, economics, and culture.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,697, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.