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colonisation

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌkɒlənaɪˈzeɪʃən/

KK: /kɑlənəˈzeɪʃən/

noun
Definition

The act of establishing control over a foreign territory and its people, often involving settlement and exploitation of resources.


Example

The colonisation of new lands often led to significant cultural changes.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever thought about the impact of colonisation on indigenous cultures?
Sloth B
Yeah, it's really fascinating and often quite tragic.
Sloth A
I read a book that discussed how colonisation changed their way of life completely.
Sloth B
It's so important to acknowledge that history and learn from it.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
settlement
occupation
expansion
Antonyms
decolonization
withdrawal
abandonment
Root Explanation

Colonisation is formed from "colonus" (meaning farmer or settler) and the suffix "-ation" (indicating a process or action). The word refers to the process of settling and establishing control over a territory by a group of people.

Memory Tip

Think of 'settlers' ('colonus') establishing a new place, and '-ation' indicating the action of doing so. This helps you remember that colonisation means the act of settling in a new area.

Visually Confused Words
recolonization
polonization
confiscation
columniation
coronation
coelonavigation
crotonization
cottonization
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