annexed: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, official, legal, historical, administrative.
Quick answer
What does “annexed” mean?
To add or attach something, especially a smaller or subordinate thing to a larger one, often in a formal or official manner.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To add or attach something, especially a smaller or subordinate thing to a larger one, often in a formal or official manner.
Can refer to the incorporation of territory by a state, the addition of documents or appendices, or the act of taking possession of something, sometimes forcefully.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is consistent. Usage is largely identical, though the territorial sense is more frequent in historical/political contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
In political discourse, 'annexed' often implies a contested or forceful takeover, especially regarding territory (e.g., Crimea, the West Bank).
Frequency
More common in written, formal, or historical texts than in everyday conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “annexed” in a Sentence
[Country/Entity] annexed [Territory/Document][Territory/Document] was annexed to/by [Country/Entity]annex [something] to [something]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “annexed” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The kingdom annexed the coastal province in 1842.
- Please find the financial data annexed to the main report.
American English
- The state annexed the unincorporated land in 1995.
- The treaty had several secret protocols annexed to it.
adjective
British English
- The annexed territories were governed under martial law.
- Refer to the annexed diagram for clarification.
American English
- Residents of the annexed suburb now pay city taxes.
- The annexed exhibits were entered into evidence.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might refer to merging departments or assets: 'The company annexed the smaller competitor's logistics division.'
Academic
Common in history, political science, and law to describe territorial acquisition or document addition.
Everyday
Uncommon. Might be used humorously or metaphorically: 'She annexed the spare room for her home office.'
Technical
Used in legal documents for appended materials and in urban planning for land incorporation.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “annexed”
- Using 'annexed' for a peaceful, consensual merger (use 'merged' or 'integrated').
- Confusing 'annex' (verb) with 'annexe' (noun, a building).
- Misspelling as 'annexed' (correct) vs. 'annexed' (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always, but often. In territorial contexts, it usually implies a one-sided, often forceful act. In neutral contexts like documents, it simply means 'attached'.
'Annexed' suggests one entity absorbs another, often without the absorbed entity's full consent. 'Merged' suggests a more mutual or balanced coming together.
Yes, in a non-political sense. A university might 'annex' a neighbouring building, meaning it acquires and incorporates it into its campus.
The act is 'annexation'. The thing added can be an 'annex' (US) or 'annexe' (UK), especially a building.
To add or attach something, especially a smaller or subordinate thing to a larger one, often in a formal or official manner.
Annexed is usually formal, official, legal, historical, administrative. in register.
Annexed: in British English it is pronounced /əˈnekst/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈnekst/ or /ˈænˌekst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A fait accompli (often describes an annexation that is presented as irreversible)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a NEXUS (a connection). To ANNEX is to create a new connection by adding something on.
Conceptual Metaphor
TERRITORY IS PROPERTY (to be acquired and added to an existing holding).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'annexed' LEAST appropriate?