What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
homesteader
Example
The homesteader built a cabin and started farming the land. [homesteader: noun]
Example
They homesteaded in the western territories during the 1800s. [homesteaded: past tense verb]
colonist
Example
The colonists established a new settlement in the Americas. [colonists: plural noun]
Example
She was a colonist who migrated to the new world for religious freedom. [colonist: singular noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Colonist is more commonly used than homesteader in everyday language, as it has a broader range of meanings and can be applied to various historical and contemporary contexts. Homesteader is less common and is more closely associated with a specific time and place in American history.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between homesteader and colonist?
Both homesteader and colonist are relatively formal words, as they are associated with historical and cultural contexts. However, colonist may have a more negative connotation due to its association with imperialism and exploitation.
