Reading Theme:
Colony Definition, Usage & Common Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：governed territory (colony)
colony
/ˈkɒləni/
n.
A country or area that is controlled by another more powerful country.
governed territory
➕
/ˈɡʌvənd ˈterɪt(ə)ri/
n.
A territory or region politically controlled by a distant, often more powerful, country.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'colonia' (farm, settlement), from 'colonus' (farmer, settler).
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine a 'COLONel' (similar sound) leading settlers to a new territory to establish a COLONY.
📖 Example
Scientists from Earth are planning to establish a colony on the Moon for long-term research.
Scientists from Earth are planning to set up a governed territory on the Moon for long-term research.
🔗 Collocations
establish/found a colony – to create a new settlement or political territory
penal colony – a settlement used to exile prisoners and separate them from the general population
crown colony – a British colony controlled by the Crown
🔄 Synonyms
settlement (n.) – A place where people establish a community, often in a new area; can imply less formal political control.
possession (n.) – A territory owned and controlled by another country.
outpost (n.) – A small military or civilian settlement in a remote area.
🚫 Antonyms
metropolis (n.) – A large, important city, often the capital or center of a country.
homeland (n.) – One's native country.
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
The word entered English via Old French, tracing back to the Latin 'colonia', which originally referred to a public settlement of Roman citizens in conquered territory. This concept directly shaped the modern meaning of an area governed by a distant power.
Meaning 2：animal community (colony)
colony
/ˈkɒləni/
n.
A large group of the same kind of animals or plants living closely together.
animal community
➕
/ˈænɪməl kəˈmjuːnɪti/
n.
A large community of animals of the same species living closely together.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
We watched in amazement as thousands of penguins huddled together in their colony to stay warm against the Antarctic wind.
We watched in amazement as thousands of penguins huddled together in their animal community to stay warm against the Antarctic wind.
🔗 Collocations
bustling colony – a very active and populated animal community
ant colony – a community of ants living in a highly organized nest
breeding colony – a group of animals that gathers in a specific area for mating and raising young
🔄 Synonyms
community (n.) – A group of living organisms in one place; a more general term.
settlement (n.) – A place where a group of people or animals have established themselves; implies a fixed location.
🚫 Antonyms
solitary (adj.) – Living alone or in isolation.
Wordbook
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