Territory: meaning, definitions and examples

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territory

[ˈterɪt(ə)ri ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

political

an area of land under the jurisdiction of a ruler or state

Synonyms

area, domain, region.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
territory	Often used in the context of land controlled by a particular government or ruling power, or an area of knowledge or interest. The Antarctic treaty defines the territorial claims of different countries She is considered an expert in her territory of research
region	Refers to a large geographic area, can be informal or formal, and is often used in mapping and government descriptions. The region is famous for its wine production The drought affected the entire region
domain	Used to describe an area of expertise, influence, or ownership. It can also refer to internet addresses or fields in mathematics and sciences. The latest advancements fall within the domain of artificial intelligence The domain name for their website was registered last year
area	Typically used for a place or part of a larger space. It can be general and doesn't usually imply ownership or control. There is a picnic area in the park This area is known for its beautiful scenery

Examples of usage

The two countries have been in dispute over the territory for decades.
The tribe claimed the territory as their ancestral land.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

geographical

a particular area of land

Synonyms

ground, landscape, terrain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
territory	Used to describe an area of land under the jurisdiction of a ruler or state. It is also used in non-physical senses, like an area of knowledge or activity. The country expanded its territory after the war. This kind of decision falls under the manager's territory.
terrain	Used to discuss the physical features or topography of a specific land area. Usually in the context of traveling, exploring, or military operations. The rough terrain made the hike very challenging. The soldiers had to navigate difficult terrain during the mission.
landscape	Describes the visible features of an area of land, often referring to its beauty or artistic representation. It can also be used metaphorically to describe overall situations. The landscape of the mountains is breathtaking. The political landscape has changed dramatically over the past decade.
ground	Refers to the solid surface of the earth or an area of knowledge or discourse. It can refer to physical surfaces as well as conceptual bases. The playground has a soft ground to prevent injuries. We need to cover all the theoretical ground before starting the experiment.

Examples of usage

The desert territory was harsh and unforgiving.
The mountainous territory provided a challenging terrain for hikers.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

sports

an area of play in a game or sport

Synonyms

area, field, zone.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
territory	Used to describe a large defined area that belongs to a country, state, or an animal. It often has political, administrative, or control implications. The explorers ventured into uncharted territory. This region is disputed territory between the two countries.
area	Can refer to a space or region in general terms, often used for geographical locations, parts of a town, or parts of places with specific purposes. They live in a rural area. The play area for children is at the back of the park.
zone	Refers to a specific area that has its own particular regulations or characteristics, often used in urban planning, climate regions, or for controlled purposes. This is a no-parking zone. The city is zoned for different types of land use.
field	Used to describe a specific area of study or professional practice. It can also mean an open area of land used for agriculture. She is an expert in the field of neuroscience. The farmers worked in the field all day.

Examples of usage

The goalkeeper defended his territory fiercely.
The team's territory was constantly under attack.

Interesting Facts

Geography

Countries are divided into areas called territories, which help define where one nation ends and another begins.
In wildlife, animals mark their territories with scents or sounds to show that a place belongs to them.
Some territories are uninhabited and often known as wastelands, but they can also be rich in natural resources.

History

Throughout history, empires expanded their territories to gain power and resources, such as the Roman Empire.
The concept of 'manifest destiny' in the United States was a belief that Americans were destined to expand across North America.
Colonialism significantly altered many territories, reshaping cultures and political boundaries throughout the world.

Law

In law, the term refers to the jurisdictional area where certain rules and regulations apply.
Territorial disputes often lead to conflicts between countries, stressing the importance of international agreements.
Sovereignty means a state has full control over its territory without interference from outsiders.

Biology

Many animal species establish territories which they defend against others to secure food and mates.
Territorial behavior is crucial for species survival and varies widely across different animals.
In social species, some members may have overlapping territories while still maintaining their own space.

Culture

In cultural terms, territory can represent national identity, where people feel connected to their homeland.
Famous artworks often depict historical territories, showcasing their significance to human experience.
Cultural territories also overlap with language and traditions, defining group identities around the world.

Translations

Translations of the word "territory" in other languages:

🇵🇹 território

🇮🇳 क्षेत्र

🇩🇪 Territorium

🇮🇩 wilayah

🇺🇦 територія

🇵🇱 terytorium

🇯🇵 領土 (りょうど)

🇫🇷 territoire

🇪🇸 territorio

🇹🇷 bölge

🇰🇷 영토 (領土)

🇸🇦 إقليم

🇨🇿 území

🇸🇰 územie

🇨🇳 领土 (lǐngtǔ)

🇸🇮 ozemlje

🇮🇸 svæði

🇰🇿 аумақ

🇬🇪 ტერიტორია

🇦🇿 ərazi

🇲🇽 territorio

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,753, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.

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1750 operate
1751 thick
1752 belief
1753 territory
1754 crop
1755 component
1756 edition
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