Words / C1

k-uh-LOHN-ee-uh-l/kəˈləʊniəl/

Colonial relates to a colony or imperial rule: a colonial archive, colonial history. A colony is the territory; colonialism is the system. Colonel is the army rank — different spelling. Postcolonial studies come after that period.

Meaning

Relating to a colony or to a period of imperial rule.

Examples

• “The museum holds a large colonial archive.”
• “Street names still show the colonial map of the city.”
• “The report examines colonial trade, not only battles.”

Good to know

colonial history/rule. System: colonialism. Mix-up: colonel (rank).

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