angkor thom: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Travel
Quick answer
What does “angkor thom” mean?
The last great capital city of the Khmer Empire, located in modern-day Cambodia, known for its massive stone walls and monumental gates.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The last great capital city of the Khmer Empire, located in modern-day Cambodia, known for its massive stone walls and monumental gates.
An archaeological and historical site within the Angkor complex, symbolizing the peak of classical Khmer architecture and urban planning in the late 12th to early 13th centuries. It is often used metonymically to refer to the grandeur and mystery of the ancient Khmer civilization.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant linguistic differences, though UK English texts may historically prefer 'Angkor Thom' while US sources might occasionally use the fuller 'Angkor Thom, the Great City'. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Both varieties carry connotations of ancient history, archaeology, and exotic travel. Slightly stronger association with colonial-era exploration in UK English.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, appearing primarily in historical, archaeological, travel, and cultural contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “angkor thom” in a Sentence
visit + Angkor Thomexplore + Angkor Thombe located in + Angkor Thombe built + at Angkor Thomcentre on + Angkor ThomVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “angkor thom” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The Angkor Thom period marks the apex of Khmer power.
- We studied the Angkor Thom architectural style.
American English
- The Angkor Thom period represents the empire's peak.
- We focused on Angkor Thom-era sculptures.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in tourism-related contexts (e.g., 'Our tour package includes Angkor Thom').
Academic
Common in archaeology, history, art history, and Southeast Asian studies papers and lectures.
Everyday
Used in travel conversations, documentaries, and by culturally informed speakers discussing Cambodia.
Technical
Specific term in archaeology and historiography for the late-period capital within the Angkor urban complex.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “angkor thom”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “angkor thom”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “angkor thom”
- Misspelling as 'Angkor Thom' (correct) vs. 'Angkor Thom' or 'Angkorthom'.
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'an angkor thom') instead of a proper noun.
- Confusing it with Angkor Wat, which is a specific temple, not the capital city.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Angkor Wat is a specific temple complex built earlier. Angkor Thom is the later walled capital city that contains several temples within it, including the Bayon.
It was established as the capital in the late 12th century, around 1181 AD, by King Jayavarman VII.
Yes, it is a major archaeological park. Visitors enter through one of its giant gates and can explore the ruins of temples, terraces, and reservoirs inside the city walls.
It represents the last sustained capital of the Khmer Empire, showcasing advanced urban planning, monumental architecture, and the shift from Hinduism to Mahayana Buddhism as the state religion.
The last great capital city of the Khmer Empire, located in modern-day Cambodia, known for its massive stone walls and monumental gates.
Angkor thom is usually formal, academic, travel in register.
Angkor thom: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæŋkɔː ˈtɒm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæŋkɔːr ˈtoʊm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common English idioms feature this specific proper noun]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ANGKOR is a city, THOM sounds like 'tomb'—a great city with ancient, tomb-like temples.'
Conceptual Metaphor
A FADED CROWN (representing lost imperial power and grandeur); A STONE PUZZLE (representing historical mystery and archaeological endeavour).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'Thom' mean in the Khmer name 'Angkor Thom'?