decolonize
C1Formal, Academic, Political
Definition
Meaning
To remove the colonial status, influence, or structures from a territory or institution, particularly in a political, social, or cultural context.
To challenge and dismantle the ongoing legacies, power structures, and mindsets of colonialism in knowledge, culture, education, and systems of governance.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used with an abstract object (e.g., knowledge, the mind, the curriculum) beyond its original political sense of granting independence to a colony.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English uses '-ise' spelling (decolonise) by default; American English uses '-ize' (decolonize). The British spelling with '-ize' is also acceptable but less common.
Connotations
In British English, it may have more direct historical resonance due to the history of the British Empire. In American English, usage is often more abstract, applied to fields like education and cultural studies.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties, though the spelling variant follows regional norms.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[transitive] They sought to decolonize the country. (object: territory)[transitive] The initiative aims to decolonize the university's syllabus. (abstract object)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To decolonize one's mind”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used in discussions of corporate history or ethical sourcing in former colonies.
Academic
Very common in post-colonial studies, history, sociology, education, and cultural studies.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual conversation, but appears in news and political discourse.
Technical
Used as a specific term in historical and political science contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The museum is working to decolonise its collections and narratives.
- Many activists argue we must decolonise our thinking.
American English
- The university formed a committee to decolonize its humanities curriculum.
- Scholars are working to decolonize economic theory.
adverb
British English
- The exhibition was curated decolonisingly, with input from source communities. (Rare/Formed)
American English
- The research was conducted decolonizingly, prioritizing indigenous methodologies. (Rare/Formed)
adjective
British English
- The decolonising approach to history is gaining traction.
- A decolonised perspective is essential.
American English
- The decolonizing movement in academia is strong.
- They advocated for a decolonized framework.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- After the war, the country worked to decolonize and form its own government.
- The history book explains how nations decolonized.
- The process to decolonize the national museum involved returning artefacts to their countries of origin.
- Debates about how to decolonize education are happening in many universities.
- Her thesis critically examines efforts to decolonize the anthropology curriculum by integrating non-Western epistemologies.
- True decolonization requires more than political independence; it necessitates dismantling the economic and cultural hegemony of the former coloniser.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a colony with a prefix 'DE-' being applied, like removing a sticker. DE-tach a COLONY.
Conceptual Metaphor
COLONIALISM IS A BURDEN/DISEASE. Decolonizing is the act of HEALING, REMOVING A WEIGHT, or PURIFYING a system from a foreign imposition.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'деколонизировать' (a direct calque, correct) and 'распускать колонию' (to disband a colony – incorrect for abstract use).
- The '-ize' suffix should be translated with the Russian '-изировать/изовать' suffix, not mistaken for a simple 'освобождать' (to liberate).
Common Mistakes
- Using it only in the past tense for historical independence. (e.g., 'The country decolonized in 1960' is fine, but modern use is often present/continuous for ongoing processes).
- Confusing with 'decolorize' (to remove colour).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a typical context for the word 'decolonize'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its original and core meaning relates to ending formal colonial rule, its modern, extended use is very common. It now frequently refers to challenging colonial legacies in culture, knowledge systems, education (e.g., 'decolonizing the curriculum'), and institutions.
'Decolonize' is a verb denoting the action or process. 'Decolonial' (or 'decolonizing') is an adjective describing approaches, theories, or actions aimed at decolonization. For example, 'decolonial theory' informs efforts to 'decolonize' a museum.
Yes, in a metaphorical sense. The phrase 'decolonize the mind', popularised by writer Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, refers to freeing one's thinking from ingrained colonial attitudes, values, and preferences, often regarding language and culture.
Both are correct, but they follow regional conventions. 'Decolonize' is the standard American English spelling. 'Decolonise' is the standard British English spelling, though the '-ize' ending is also accepted in many British publications, especially in academic contexts.