Territories: meaning, definitions and examples

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territories

 

[ ˈterɪt(ə)riːz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

political geography

Areas of land under the jurisdiction of a particular government or ruler. Territories may be defined by borders, treaties, or historical claims.

Synonyms

domains, provinces, regions.

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Word Description / Examples
territories

Use when referring to large areas of land, often under the control of a specific government or organization. It is frequently used in political or administrative contexts.

  • The country expanded its territories through military conquests.
  • Wildlife conservationists are working to protect endangered species in these remote territories.
regions

Describes large geographical areas that share certain characteristics, such as climate, culture, or natural features. Often used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • The desert regions suffer from extreme heat and lack of water.
  • Different regions of the country have distinct culinary traditions.
domains

This term often describes areas of expertise, control, or influence, both physical and abstract. It is common in contexts related to knowledge, technology, or authority.

  • In the domain of science, new discoveries are being made every day.
  • The king ruled over his domain with an iron fist.
provinces

Refers to administrative divisions within certain countries, usually larger than a city but smaller than a state or country. Commonly used in geographical or political contexts.

  • The province of Alberta is known for its natural beauty and oil reserves.
  • Each province has its own local government and regulations.

Examples of usage

  • The United States has territories such as Puerto Rico and Guam.
  • The dispute over territorial boundaries led to a conflict between the two countries.
Context #2 | Noun

business

Areas designated for a specific purpose within a larger organization or company. Territories may be assigned to sales representatives or distributors.

Synonyms

areas, regions, zones.

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Word Description / Examples
territories

Use to describe large sections of land or regions that are governed, controlled, or claimed by a specific group, country, or organization. Often used in political, historical, or zoological contexts.

  • The explorers ventured into uncharted territories.
  • Birds establish territories during the breeding season.
regions

Use to indicate large, often geographically or culturally distinct sections within a country, continent, or the world. Commonly used in discussions about climate, culture, and economics.

  • The wine regions of France are famous worldwide.
  • This region has a unique dialect and customs.
areas

Use to refer to specific places, sections, or spaces within a larger whole. It is a broad and general term used in a variety of contexts such as geography, real estate, and daily life.

  • This area of the park is designated for picnics.
  • She specializes in several areas of medicine.
zones

Use to describe specific, often regulated sections within a broader area. It implies some form of division or classification, and is common in urban planning, safety protocols, and environmental contexts.

  • The city is divided into multiple zoning areas.
  • Keep out of the construction zone.

Examples of usage

  • The sales manager divided the territories among the sales team.
  • Each sales representative is responsible for their own territory.

Translations

Translations of the word "territories" in other languages:

🇵🇹 territórios

🇮🇳 क्षेत्र

🇩🇪 Gebiete

🇮🇩 wilayah

🇺🇦 території

🇵🇱 terytoria

🇯🇵 領土 (りょうど)

🇫🇷 territoires

🇪🇸 territorios

🇹🇷 bölgeler

🇰🇷 영토 (yeongto)

🇸🇦 الأقاليم

🇨🇿 území

🇸🇰 územia

🇨🇳 领土 (lǐngtǔ)

🇸🇮 ozemlja

🇮🇸 svæði

🇰🇿 аумақтар

🇬🇪 ტერიტორიები

🇦🇿 ərazilər

🇲🇽 territorios

Etymology

The word 'territories' originates from the Latin word 'territorium', which means 'land around a town'. In ancient Rome, territorium referred to the land under the jurisdiction of a town. Over time, the concept of territories evolved to include regions under the control of governments or organizations. The modern usage of the word reflects the complex political and geographical divisions that exist in the world today.

See also: territorial, territoriality, territorially.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,375, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.