Colony Meaning
Colony Definition & Usage
A territory or settlement controlled by a foreign power, typically distant from the colonizing country.
Examples
- "The British established a colony in India during the 17th century."
- "In the early 1900s, many European countries scrambled to expand their colonies in Africa."
- "The colony was governed by a small group of officials sent from the capital."
- "After the American Revolution, the 13 colonies declared their independence from Britain."
- "Australia began as a penal colony for British convicts."
A group of people with a shared interest or purpose, living in a specific area or working together in a common activity.
Examples
- "A colony of artists gathered in the small village, transforming it into a creative hub."
- "The tech startup grew rapidly, soon becoming a colony of young entrepreneurs."
- "A colony of retirees settled in the coastal town, enjoying a peaceful life."
- "She was part of a writing colony that focused on science fiction and fantasy."
- "The language colony was dedicated to the preservation of endangered languages."
A group of animals or insects living and working together in a particular place, often with a highly organized structure.
Examples
- "A colony of ants works together to gather food and build intricate tunnels."
- "Bees form colonies, with each member fulfilling a specific role in the hive."
- "The penguin colony on the island grows larger each year during mating season."
- "A colony of bats roosts in the cave every night, hanging upside down in large clusters."
- "The coral reef is home to a colony of fish that depend on the protection of the reef."
Cultural Context
The concept of a colony has historically been associated with European colonialism, where powerful countries established colonies around the world. These colonies were often used for resource extraction, strategic advantages, and the spread of culture and religion. In modern times, the word is still used in political contexts to refer to territories under foreign rule, but it has also broadened to describe more voluntary groups or collective communities, especially in the fields of technology, arts, and science.
The Last Colony
Story
The Last Colony
In the year 2067, a small colony of scientists and engineers was established on a barren moon, far away from Earth. Their mission: to build the first self-sustaining settlement in space. The colony, a tightly-knit group of 50 people, had spent years training for the task, and now they were on the verge of something monumental. But as they worked on developing the colony's infrastructure, tensions began to rise. Some members questioned the feasibility of their mission, while others were determined to push forward no matter the cost. One evening, as the colony gathered in the main hub to discuss progress, Dr. Elena, the colony's leader, addressed the group. 'We knew from the beginning that establishing a colony in space would be difficult,' she said, her voice steady despite the mounting pressure. 'But we're not just building a settlement—we're creating the future of humanity.' Her words seemed to calm the others, but as the days wore on, the problems intensified. A colony of rare, alien microbes had been discovered in the moon's subterranean caves, and some of the scientists believed it might pose a threat. Others, however, saw it as a groundbreaking discovery that could lead to new scientific advances. Amidst the chaos, tensions came to a head during an unexpected storm. The colony’s solar panels were damaged, and the crew had to work together to repair them before their limited resources ran out. In that moment, despite their differences, they all realized that their survival depended on unity. The colony wasn’t just about creating a new home—it was about creating a new way of living and working together. As the storm passed and the moon’s surface returned to its quiet, desolate state, Elena looked out at the stars. She knew that the future of the colony—and humanity—was still uncertain, but for the first time in weeks, she felt hope. Together, they could overcome any obstacle. The colony would survive. The group’s spirit was encapsulated in their motto: 'Together, we are more than a colony—we are the future.'
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