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Territorial Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ
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territorial

[หŒterษชหˆtษ”หrษชษ™l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

of land or territory

Relating to the ownership of an area of land or territory. Involving the control of a specific geographic region.

Synonyms

geographical, land, regional.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
territorial

Used to describe issues, rights, or matters related to the control of land or areas often in a defensively possessive way.

  • The territorial dispute between the two countries has been ongoing for decades.
  • Cats can be very territorial, often marking their boundaries.
geographical

Refers to anything related to the physical characteristics, location, and mapping of the Earth's surface.

  • The geographical features of this region include mountains and rivers.
  • Her research focuses on the geographical distribution of plant species.
land

Often used to refer to the Earth's solid surface, usually in the context of property, agriculture, or habitat.

  • They purchased a piece of land to build their new home.
  • Much of the land in this area is used for farming.
regional

Pertains to a specific area or part of a larger space, often in terms of administration, culture, or geography.

  • They organized a regional conference to address local issues.
  • The regional cuisine reflects the diverse cultures in the area.

Examples of usage

  • The territorial government has authority over this region.
  • There are territorial disputes between the two countries.
Context #2 | Adjective

of animals

Relating to the behavior of animals in defending their territory. Involving the marking and protection of a specific area for mating or hunting.

Synonyms

defensive, protective, territorially aggressive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
territorial

Refer back to the first 'territorial' entry.

  • As above.
defensive

This word is often used to describe a reaction to a perceived threat or criticism, implying the need to protect oneself.

  • She got very defensive when asked about her work.
  • The football team took a defensive stance to protect their lead.
protective

This word is used when someone is showing a strong desire to shield or guard someone or something from harm.

  • He is very protective of his younger sister.
  • Parents tend to be protective of their children.
territorially aggressive

This term implies not just a strong attachment to one's area, but also a tendency to act aggressively to defend it. It has a somewhat negative connotation.

  • The dog is territorially aggressive and barks at anyone who comes near the house.
  • Some species of fish are known to be territorially aggressive, especially during the breeding season.

Examples of usage

  • The territorial instincts of the lion are strong.
  • The bird displayed territorial behavior towards intruders.

Translations

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

Origin of 'territorial'

The word 'territorial' originated from the Latin word 'territorialis', which is derived from 'territorium' meaning 'land, territory'. The concept of territoriality has been observed in various species, including humans and animals. It plays a crucial role in defining boundaries, ownership, and behavior patterns within a specific area.

See also: territoriality, territorially, territories.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,962, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.