colonial: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Academic/Historical
Quick answer
What does “colonial” mean?
relating to or characteristic of a colony or colonies, typically involving the control and settlement of one country by another.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
relating to or characteristic of a colony or colonies, typically involving the control and settlement of one country by another.
Can describe architecture, furniture, or styles originating from the period of colonization; can also refer to organisms living in colonies (biology); used metaphorically to describe any dominating or exploitative relationship.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, it more often refers specifically to the British Empire. In the US, it frequently refers to the pre-independence period and early American architecture/style.
Connotations
In former colonizing nations (UK, France), it can have neutral or nostalgic connotations in certain contexts (e.g., 'colonial furniture'). In post-colonial nations and critical discourse, it is overwhelmingly negative, implying exploitation and oppression.
Frequency
More frequent in US English in the architectural/style sense ('colonial house'). More frequent in UK English in historical/political discourse about the Empire.
Grammar
How to Use “colonial” in a Sentence
ADJ + NOUN (colonial + noun)PREP + colonial (of/in/from colonial)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “colonial” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The museum examined Britain's colonial past in India.
- He collects colonial-era maps.
American English
- They live in a white colonial house with black shutters.
- The debate focused on the colonial policies of the 18th century.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in historical context or critiques of corporate expansion ('the company's colonial approach to new markets').
Academic
Central term in history, political science, post-colonial studies, and cultural studies.
Everyday
Used to describe architecture ('a colonial-style house') or in discussions of history and politics.
Technical
In biology: 'colonial organisms' (like corals).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “colonial”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “colonial”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “colonial”
- Using 'colonical' (misspelling).
- Confusing 'colonial' (adj/n) with 'colonist' (n, a person).
- Overusing in non-political contexts where 'traditional' or 'period' might be better for architecture.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but it often is in political/historical contexts. In architecture or style ('colonial revival'), it is generally neutral or descriptive.
'Colonial' is an adjective (or noun for a resident). 'Colonist' is a person who settles a colony. 'Colonialist' refers to a supporter of the policy of colonization, often with a negative connotation.
Yes, metaphorically. E.g., 'The corporation's colonial attitude towards its overseas branches caused resentment.' It's used to critique modern power structures seen as exploitative.
The main noun form is 'colonialism'. 'Colonial' itself can be a countable noun for a person living in a colony (e.g., 'the colonials').
relating to or characteristic of a colony or colonies, typically involving the control and settlement of one country by another.
Colonial is usually formal/academic/historical in register.
Colonial: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈləʊ.ni.əl/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈloʊ.ni.əl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The colonial mentality (a mindset of cultural inferiority imposed by colonizers)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COLONY and add 'IAL' – it describes everything related to a colony.
Conceptual Metaphor
COLONIALISM IS A DISEASE / A BURDEN / AN UNNATURAL UNION.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'colonial' MOST likely to be used neutrally or positively?