Langimage
English

colonize

|col/o/nize|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈkɑː.ləˌnaɪz/

🇬🇧

/ˈkɒl.ə.naɪz/

establish a colony

Etymology
Etymology Information

'colonize' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'colonia,' where 'colonus' meant 'farmer' or 'settler.'

Historical Evolution

'colonia' transformed into the French word 'coloniser,' and eventually became the modern English word 'colonize' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to settle or farm,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'establishing a colony.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to establish a colony in or on a place, often by settling a group of people there.

The British colonized many parts of Africa.

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Antonyms

Verb 2

to send a group of settlers to a place and establish political control over it.

The explorers aimed to colonize the new land.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40