Territory Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐บ๏ธ
territory
[หterษชt(ษ)ri ]
Definitions
political
an area of land under the jurisdiction of a ruler or state
Synonyms
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.
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| region |
Refers to a large geographic area, can be informal or formal, and is often used in mapping and government descriptions.
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| domain |
Used to describe an area of expertise, influence, or ownership. It can also refer to internet addresses or fields in mathematics and sciences.
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| area |
Typically used for a place or part of a larger space. It can be general and doesn't usually imply ownership or control.
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Examples of usage
- The two countries have been in dispute over the territory for decades.
- The tribe claimed the territory as their ancestral land.
geographical
a particular area of land
Synonyms
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.
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| terrain |
Used to discuss the physical features or topography of a specific land area. Usually in the context of traveling, exploring, or military operations.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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Examples of usage
- The desert territory was harsh and unforgiving.
- The mountainous territory provided a challenging terrain for hikers.
sports
an area of play in a game or sport
Synonyms
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| field |
Used to describe a specific area of study or professional practice. It can also mean an open area of land used for agriculture.
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Examples of usage
- The goalkeeper defended his territory fiercely.
- The team's territory was constantly under attack.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
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.
Origin of 'territory'
The word 'territory' originated from the Latin word 'territorium', which means 'land around a town'. It was first used in English in the late 16th century. Throughout history, territories have played a significant role in defining borders, ownership, and governance of land. The concept of territory has evolved over time, encompassing political, geographical, and sports-related meanings.