B2noun2K

Empire

UK /["/ˈempaɪə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈempaɪər/"]/

Definition

a group of countries or states that are controlled by one leader or government

In simple words: A group of countries or regions controlled by one ruler or government.

Examples

  • The Roman Empire was one of the largest empires in history.
  • She built a business empire from scratch, starting with just a small shop.
  • The British Empire once controlled territories across several continents.
  • The gaming company grew into an empire by acquiring several smaller studios.
  • Historical empires often expanded through conquest and political alliances.
  • The empire of technology giants influences markets worldwide.

Usage notes

Used in conversations about history or politics. Avoid when discussing personal stories or informal topics.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'empire' as a 'camp' led by a powerful leader!

Collocations

  • big
  • great
  • large
  • establish
  • found
  • destroy
  • grow
  • collapse
  • crumble
  • building
  • builder
  • the break-up of an empire
  • the decline of an empire
  • the fall of an empire
  • big
  • huge
  • large
  • build
  • build up
  • create
  • collapse
  • crumble
  • the collapse of an empire

Synonyms

  • kingdom
  • realm
  • dominance
  • territory
  • sovereignty

Antonyms

  • anarchy
  • disunity

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'empire' vs 'imperium' (different contexts)
  • Used in singular when talking about collective nations (it’s 'empires' when plural)
  • Mispronounced as 'em-pire' instead of 'em-pai-er'