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colonial

colonial

adjective koh-loh-NYAL Rare

Origin: Latin colonialis, from colonia (settlement)

Usage Note

Colonial describes anything relating to a colonial era or style — l'architecture coloniale, l'empire colonial français. The plural is coloniaux (m) / coloniales (f). It carries strong historical and political weight in French public discourse, particularly regarding France's overseas territories.

Examples

"L'histoire coloniale de la France est complexe."

Natural Translation

France's colonial history is complex.

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