territory
B1Formal, Academic, Neutral
Definition
Meaning
An area of land under the jurisdiction of a ruler, state, or other authority; a defined geographic region.
An area of knowledge, activity, or experience, often regarded as someone's personal domain or sphere of influence.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Can refer to a physical geographic space, a political unit not fully sovereign, or a metaphorical domain of expertise, rights, or influence. In some contexts (e.g., biology) refers to an area defended by an animal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage largely identical. In UK historical/political contexts, 'Dominions' or 'Crown Dependencies' may be specified differently. In US, 'territory' has a specific constitutional meaning (e.g., Puerto Rico, Guam).
Connotations
In British English, often evokes colonial history or administrative divisions. In American English, strongly connotes the historical frontier ('the territories') and westward expansion.
Frequency
Equally frequent, but context of use differs slightly due to historical and political structures.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Verb] + territory: enter, occupy, annex, claim, defend[Adjective] + territory: foreign, sovereign, neutral, hostile[Preposition] + territory: in/into/within/over territoryVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “come/go with the territory”
- “on home territory”
- “a grey area/territory”
- “poach on someone's territory”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A company's market territory or sales territory, e.g., 'The rep covers the northern territory.'
Academic
In political geography or international law, e.g., 'The sovereignty over the territory is contested.'
Everyday
Referring to a familiar or unfamiliar area, e.g., 'This part of town is my territory.'
Technical
In ethology: an area defended by an animal species. In mathematics: a defined region in a problem space.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The badgers will territory mark the perimeter of the woods.
- The sales team are territoried across the Midlands.
American English
- The wolves are territoried in the national park.
- Our reps are territoried by state.
adverb
British English
- The birds were distributed territorialy.
- The company expanded territorialy into Europe.
American English
- The militia acted territorialy, defending only their county.
- The law is applied territorialy.
adjective
British English
- A territorial dispute arose over the waters.
- He has a very territorial attitude towards his clients.
American English
- The team displayed strong territorial defense.
- It was a clear case of territorial aggression.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This is my dog's favourite territory in the park.
- Australia is a big territory.
- The map shows all the territory of the country.
- The explorers entered unknown territory.
- Our sales territory includes three major cities.
- The two countries fought over the disputed territory.
- Negotiating his salary was unfamiliar territory for the young graduate.
- The federal government has authority over the overseas territory.
- The company is keen to expand its territory into Asian markets.
- Her latest monograph moves into truly interdisciplinary territory, blending sociology and neuroscience.
- The legal principle of 'uti possidetis' was applied to determine the post-colonial territory of the new state.
- He felt his colleague was encroaching on his intellectual territory with the new research proposal.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TERRITORY as the LAND a TERROR (from Latin 'terra' = land, earth) might claim. 'Terra' is in the word.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE IS A GEOGRAPHICAL AREA (e.g., 'This research is in uncharted territory.'), CONTROL IS POSSESSION OF LAND (e.g., 'He guards his professional territory jealously.')
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not always equivalent to 'территория' in metaphorical use (e.g., 'field of study' might be 'область знаний').
- Avoid using 'territory' for a general 'place' or 'location' ('место').
- Russian 'владение' can mean 'possession' (thing owned), not a 'territory'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'territory' as a countable noun for very small, non-political areas (e.g., 'my garden territory' is odd).
- Confusing 'territory' with 'terrain' (physical features of the land).
- Misspelling: 'teritory' (single 'r'), 'territority' (extra 'i').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'territory' used metaphorically?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Area' is the most general. 'Region' often implies a distinct area with common characteristics. 'Territory' specifically implies land under control of a political entity, group, or individual, often with connotations of jurisdiction or defence.
Yes, it's commonly used metaphorically for fields of knowledge, experience, or responsibility (e.g., 'digital marketing is her territory').
It means to be an unavoidable part or consequence of a particular situation, job, or activity. E.g., 'Long hours come with the territory in investment banking.'
Yes, it is countable. You can have 'a territory', 'several territories', or use it uncountably in metaphorical senses ('uncharted territory').