PhrasesHub

Mother country

    Definitions

      • country of origin or ancestry
        Referring to the country where one's ancestors are from, or the country where one was born

      • colonial power
        Referring to the country that colonized or ruled over a particular territory or region

    Examples of Mother country

    • During the colonial era, Great Britain served as the mother country to several territories in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.

      This expression is used to describe a powerful nation that has control over other countries or territories. In this example, it is used to explain the relationship between Great Britain and its colonies during the colonial period.

    • India gained independence from its mother country, Britain, in

      This expression is used to describe the original homeland of a country or nation. In this example, India is saying that it was once under the control of Britain, but has since become an independent nation.

    • The term "mother country" is still used today to describe countries that have close ties with other nations due to historical or cultural connections.

      This expression is used to describe a continued sense of connection or loyalty between a country and a former colony or territory. In this example, it highlights the idea that some countries still feel a sense of allegiance or attachment to their mother country.

    • Despite its independence, many Indians still consider Britain to be their mother country due to the strong cultural and historical ties that still exist between the two nations.

      This expression is used to describe the persistence of cultural or historical connections between countries, even after independence is gained. In this example, it shows how the term "mother country" can still be used to describe a relationship between two nations that continues to exist in some sense, even after political independence is gained.

    • The colonies looked up to Britain as their mother country during the 18th century.

      During the 18th century, the 13 colonies in America saw Britain as their adoptive mother country, as they had been colonized by and were politically and economically dependent on Britain.

    • Indians view Britain as their mother country.

      After India gained independence from British rule in 1947, many Indians still view Britain as their mother country, as the British Empire played a significant role in shaping Indian culture, history, and society during the colonial era.

    • For centuries, Belgium was the mother country of the Netherlands.

      Prior to the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century, much of present-day Netherlands was part of a much larger region known as the Spanish Netherlands. After the Dutch Republic gained independence from Spain in the late 16th century, the southern part of this region, known as the Austrian Netherlands, remained under Spanish and then Austrian control until it was annexed by revolutionary France in 1795. After the French departed in 1815, this region became the independent Kingdom of Belgium, which remained a part of the Dutch monarchy until the Belgian Revolution of 1830. During this time, the Netherlands was considered the mother country of Belgium.

    • The Scots still regard England as their mother country.

      Although Scotland has maintained its own distinct culture and identity, it has been a political part of the Kingdom of England and later the United Kingdom since the signing of the Treaty of Union in 1707. Nevertheless, many Scots still feel a sense of cultural and historical attachment to England, and view England as their mother country.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "mother country" can be used to refer to one's ancestral or birth country, or to the colonial power that once ruled over a specific territory. It can evoke a sense of nostalgia, pride, or even resentment, depending on the context in which it is used.

    Origin of "Mother country"

    The origin of the idiom "mother country" can be traced back to the colonial era, when European powers established colonies around the world. The term "mother country" was used to refer to the home country from which the colonizers came. It conveyed a sense of ownership and authority over the colonies, as well as a connection to the land and culture of the colonial power.

    The idiom has since evolved to also encompass the concept of one's ancestral or birth country, reflecting a sense of belonging and heritage. While the term may carry historical connotations of imperialism and colonialism, it is still commonly used today to describe one's ties to a particular country. Examples of its use can be found in literature, politics, and everyday conversations.