Colony: meaning, definitions and examples

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colony

 

[ หˆkษ’lษ™ni ]

Noun
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

Translations of the word "colony" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น colรดnia

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค‰เคชเคจเคฟเคตเฅ‡เคถ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Kolonie

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ koloni

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะพะปะพะฝั–ั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ kolonia

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆคๆฐ‘ๅœฐ (shokuminchi)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท colonie

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ colonia

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท koloni

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์‹๋ฏผ์ง€ (sikminji)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุณุชุนู…ุฑุฉ (mustamra)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kolonie

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ kolรณnia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆฎ–ๆฐ‘ๅœฐ (zhรญmรญndรฌ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ kolonija

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ nรฝlenda

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะพั‚ะฐั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒแƒšแƒแƒœแƒ˜แƒ (kolonia)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ koloniya

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ colonia

Etymology

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.