What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
colonialize
Example
During the Age of Exploration, European countries sought to colonialize various parts of the world. [colonialize: verb]
Example
The British colonialized India and implemented their own systems of governance. [colonialized: past tense]
imperialize
Example
The Roman Empire sought to imperialize vast territories across Europe, Asia, and Africa. [imperialize: verb]
Example
The United States has been accused of attempting to imperialize certain regions through military interventions. [imperializing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Colonialize is less commonly used compared to imperialize. Colonialize is more specific and tied to historical contexts, while imperialize has a broader application and can be used in various contexts beyond colonization.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between colonialize and imperialize?
Both colonialize and imperialize are formal terms, often used in academic or historical discussions. However, imperialize may have a slightly more formal tone due to its broader usage and association with larger empires throughout history.