What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
colonial
Example
The colonial era in Africa saw many European countries establish colonies on the continent. [colonial: adjective]
Example
The museum has a collection of colonial artifacts from different parts of the world. [colonial: adjective]
territorial
Example
The territorial waters of a country extend up to 12 nautical miles from its coastline. [territorial: adjective]
Example
The cat displayed territorial behavior by marking its territory with scent. [territorial: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Territorial is more commonly used than colonial in everyday language. Territorial is a versatile term that can be applied to various contexts, such as describing geographical relationships or animal behavior. Colonial, on the other hand, is more specific and often used in historical or academic discussions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between colonial and territorial?
Both colonial and territorial can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, colonial may carry a more formal tone due to its association with historical and academic discussions, while territorial is more commonly used in everyday language and can be employed in both formal and informal settings.
