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Empire Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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empire

[ˈɛmpaɪər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

history

An empire is a group of countries or regions that are controlled by one ruler or government. Empires are often characterized by their vast territories, diverse populations, and hierarchical structures.

Synonyms

dominion, kingdom, realm.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
empire

A large and often powerful political entity ruled by an emperor or empress, consisting of several nations or regions.

  • The Roman Empire was one of the most influential civilizations in history.
  • The empire expanded its territories across continents.
kingdom

A country, state, or territory ruled by a king or queen. It emphasizes the monarchical system of governance.

  • The Kingdom of Sweden has a long history.
  • The kingdom celebrated the coronation of its new king.
dominion

A territory or area of influence controlled by a ruling power, often referring to a specific region or colony.

  • Canada was once a dominion of the British Empire.
  • The dominion exercised control over its trade routes.
realm

A region, territory, or domain, often used in a more figurative or poetic sense. It can refer to fields of interest or areas of expertise.

  • He explored the realm of ancient mythology.
  • The knight journeyed through the realm to find the lost treasure.

Examples of usage

  • The Roman Empire was one of the most powerful empires in history.
  • The British Empire spanned across continents and influenced cultures around the world.
Context #2 | Noun

modern politics

In modern politics, an empire can refer to a country that exercises significant influence over other nations or has a dominant position in the global arena.

Synonyms

hegemony, superpower.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
empire

An empire refers to a large group of states or territories controlled by a single supreme authority, often an emperor or empress. It is often used in historical and sometimes in contemporary contexts to describe extensive political and military control over diverse regions.

  • The Roman Empire was known for its vast territories and powerful military.
  • The British Empire once spanned multiple continents.

Examples of usage

  • The United States is often referred to as an empire due to its economic and military power.
  • Some critics argue that multinational corporations operate as empires in the global economy.

Translations

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

Origin of 'empire'

The word 'empire' originated from the Latin word 'imperium', which referred to the authority of a ruler or government. Throughout history, empires have played a significant role in shaping world events, from the Roman Empire to the British Empire. The concept of empire has evolved over time, with modern empires often being defined by economic and political influence rather than territorial conquests.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,761, 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.