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العربية
اِستِعمار — meaning in English: colonialism
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colonialism
شاحِنة ات
مُكالَمة ات
مَعجِزة
مَعارِف
اِستِعمار
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formal
common
Usage
Native speakers often use the word اِستِعمار in discussions about historical events, particularly when referring to the impact of foreign powers on Arab countries. It can be heard in academic settings, during political debates, or in documentaries that explore the legacies of colonialism in the Middle East and North Africa.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 'استعمارية' (colonial), which refers to practices or ideologies of colonialism. While اِستِعمار focuses on the act of colonization itself, 'استعمارية' emphasizes the systems and structures that support colonial rule. Use اِستِعمار when discussing the phenomenon itself and 'استعمارية' when referring to its characteristics.
Culture
The term اِستِعمار has roots in the Arabic word 'عَمَرَ', which means 'to build' or 'to establish'. This juxtaposition highlights the irony of colonialism, as colonizers often claimed to 'build' nations while simultaneously exploiting their resources and cultures. The concept has profound implications in modern discussions about sovereignty and identity in post-colonial nations.
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