anticolonial: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Historical, Political
Quick answer
What does “anticolonial” mean?
Opposed to colonialism.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Opposed to colonialism; seeking to end or resist colonial rule.
Pertaining to movements, ideologies, or actions that challenge and seek to dismantle colonial systems, power structures, and cultural domination. Often implies a political and intellectual stance against imperialism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The term is used in both varieties, often in academic or historical contexts discussing former British or American spheres of influence.
Connotations
In UK contexts, often relates to the history of the British Empire. In US contexts, often relates to critiques of US foreign policy, Cold War interventions, or broader theoretical discourse.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in academic writing; slightly higher in UK contexts due to historical focus on decolonization of the Empire.
Grammar
How to Use “anticolonial” in a Sentence
[be] anticolonial[become/grow] anticolonialanticolonial [in + noun phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anticolonial” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The anticolonial writings of Frantz Fanon were pivotal for the movement in Algeria.
- There was widespread anticolonial feeling in post-war Kenya.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) discussions about historical legacy.
Academic
Common in history, political science, postcolonial studies, and literature departments.
Everyday
Very rare. Would appear in high-level discussions of history or politics.
Technical
Used as a precise historical and political category.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anticolonial”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anticolonial”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anticolonial”
- Using it to mean simply 'old-fashioned' or 'from a colony'. Confusing it with 'postcolonial'. Using it as a noun (e.g., 'He was an anticolonial') is awkward; prefer 'anticolonialist' or 'anticolonial activist'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Anticolonial' refers to active opposition and struggle against colonial rule. 'Postcolonial' refers to the period after colonialism or the study of its cultural, social, and political legacies.
It is primarily an adjective. The noun forms are 'anticolonialism' (the ideology) and 'anticolonialist' (a person). Using 'anticolonial' as a noun is non-standard and awkward.
It is not inherently negative. It is a descriptive term for a political position. Its evaluation depends on the speaker's perspective on colonialism itself.
It is predominantly an adjective.
Opposed to colonialism.
Anticolonial is usually formal, academic, historical, political in register.
Anticolonial: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæn.ti.kəˈləʊ.ni.əl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæn.ti.kəˈloʊ.ni.əl/ˌæn.taɪ-/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The winds of anticolonial change”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ANTI- (against) + COLONIAL (ruling over another country). It's the fight AGAINST being colonized.
Conceptual Metaphor
A STRUGGLE or AWAKENING. Anticolonial thought is often framed as a liberation of the mind and land from foreign control.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'anticolonial' MOST appropriately used?