C1adjective3K

Colonial

UK /["/kəˈləʊniəl/"]/US /["/kəˈləʊniəl/"]/

Definition

connected with or belonging to a country that controls another country

In simple words: Related to a colony or colonies.

Examples

  • a colonial power
  • Tunisia achieved independence from French colonial rule in 1956.
  • Western colonial attitudes
  • life in colonial times
  • the Colonial government of Vermont

Usage notes

Used to describe things related to a colony, such as colonial architecture or colonial history. More common in academic contexts; be cautious in casual conversation to avoid sounding overly formal.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'colony' — imagine a group of people settling in a new land.

Collocations

  • colonial power
  • colonial period
  • colonial rule
  • colonial architecture
  • colonial history

Synonyms

  • settler
  • colonizing
  • imperial
  • settlement
  • expansionist

Antonyms

  • post-colonial
  • independent

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'colonialism' which refers to the practice, while 'colonial' describes the time or features.
  • Misuse in historical contexts, as some learners apply it incorrectly to modern scenarios.
  • Pronunciation errors, particularly with the second syllable.