Word
postcolonial
Phoneticspost·colo·nial
Definition
adj. describing the time after a country has gained independence from a more powerful nation that used to control it. It also refers to the lasting effects that being ruled by another country has on a culture.
adj. relating to the period following the end of colonial rule, or to the cultural and political legacy of colonialism. Often used to describe academic theories that analyse the power dynamics between former colonisers and the colonised.
Examples
“The professor teaches a course on postcolonial literature.”
“Many postcolonial nations continue to struggle with the administrative borders and legal systems left behind by European powers.”
“Scholars in postcolonial studies examine how the psychological impact of imperial rule persists in the language and social hierarchies of societies long after they have achieved formal political sovereignty.”
Examples
simple
“The professor teaches a course on postcolonial literature.”
contextual
“Many postcolonial nations continue to struggle with the administrative borders and legal systems left behind by European powers.”
complex
“Scholars in postcolonial studies examine how the psychological impact of imperial rule persists in the language and social hierarchies of societies long after they have achieved formal political sovereignty.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “postcolonial” in context.
Verb
01. define postcolonial
“It is difficult to define postcolonial theory without addressing the legacy of empire.”
verb + adj
02. examine postcolonial
“Scholars continue to examine postcolonial literature for themes of resistance and hybridity.”
verb + adj
03. postcolonial emerge
“A new postcolonial elite emerged shortly after the withdrawal of the British administration.”
adj + noun + verb
Adjective
04. distinctly postcolonial
“The city's architecture has a distinctly postcolonial feel, blending imperial and local styles.”
adv + adj
05. essentially postcolonial
“The struggle for a new national identity is an essentially postcolonial project.”
adv + adj
Noun
06. postcolonial discourse
“The concept of 'the other' is central to modern postcolonial discourse.”
adj + noun
07. postcolonial era
“Economic recovery has been slow throughout the postcolonial era.”
adj + noun
08. postcolonial literature
“She specializes in postcolonial literature from the Indian subcontinent.”
adj + noun
09. postcolonial state
“The postcolonial state often struggled to maintain the borders drawn by former rulers.”
adj + noun
10. a legacy of postcolonial
“The country is still grappling with a legacy of postcolonial economic dependency.”
11. in the postcolonial era
“Many nations faced significant political instability in the postcolonial era.”
12. within a postcolonial context
“These social changes must be understood within a postcolonial context.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun; often appears in academic or political contexts.
Real-World Examples
“The term "postcolonial" is contentious among some academics, as it suggests that colonization has ended.” “In many ways embodying the contradictions of the postcolonial world, Mr. Naipaul was born of Indian ancestry in Trinidad, went to Oxford University on a scholarship and lived the rest of his life in England, where he forged one of the most illustrious literary careers of the last half-century.” “The postcolonial conflicts were largely over, to be replaced by peacekeeping operations, or helping the government cope with strikes.” “His final significant novel, likely "A Bend in the River" (1979), occurs in postcolonial Central Africa.” Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/postcolonial