Pronunciation: [kˈɒlənˌa͡ɪzd] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the word "colonized" is [ˈkɒlənaɪzd]. This word is spelled with a double "l" and a single "z" because it follows the rule of doubling the final consonant in words of one syllable ending with a single vowel and a single consonant when a suffix beginning with a vowel is added. The "-ize" suffix indicates that the word is a verb that means to establish control over a territory or people.
Colonized, as a verb, refers to the act or process of establishing control over a territory or group of people by a foreign power or group. It involves the subjugation, exploitation, and colonization of a land or people by a dominant force. This typically includes the establishment of political, economic, and social control, in which the colonizers exert authority over the colonized.
Colonization often occurs through the establishment of settlements or colonies, through which the colonizers exert their influence, enforce their laws, and extract resources or labor from the colonized region. This exercise of power is often driven by motives such as establishing trade routes, accessing valuable resources, or spreading cultural or religious beliefs.
Throughout history, numerous empires and nations have engaged in colonization, with notable examples including the European colonization of Africa, Asia, and the Americas during the Age of Exploration and subsequent centuries. The impact of colonization has been wide-ranging, leading to significant cultural and demographic changes, as well as political and economic upheaval for the colonized regions.
In a broader sense, the term "colonized" can also refer to the process by which any organism or group establishes a presence and reproduces in a specific environment or host. For instance, in biology, "colonized" may describe the establishment and growth of microorganisms in or on a living organism.
Overall, the term "colonized" carries a connotation of power asymmetry, exploitation, and control, highlighting the complex historical and contemporary dynamics involved in the relationship between colonizers and the colonized.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "colonized" derives from the noun "colony", which came from the Latin word "colonia". In Latin, "colonia" referred to a settlement or a district that was established and populated by Roman citizens in a new territory. The verb form "colonize" was derived from this noun and came into use during the 17th century in English. The term "colonize" means the act of establishing control over an area and settling individuals from a dominant power in that area.
