Alliance

/əˈlaɪəns/

nounIntermediate📊CommonPolitical
1 meaning2 questions

Definitions

1

A formal agreement or treaty between two or more nations or groups to cooperate for a specific purpose.

/əˈlaɪəns/

nounneutralIntermediate
Political

A union or association formed for mutual benefit, especially between countries or organizations.

The alliance between the two countries ensured peace for many years.

💡 Simply: A group of people or countries working together.

More Examples

2

A strong alliance is necessary to achieve our goals.

How It's Used

International Relations

"NATO is a military alliance between several North American and European countries."

Business

"The two companies formed a strategic alliance to expand their market share."

From Old French *aliance, from Latin *alligare "to bind," from *ad- "to" + *ligare "to bind."

The term 'alliance' has been used throughout history to describe various forms of cooperation between nations or groups, often in the context of warfare or diplomacy.

Memory tip

Think of 'allies' – people united in a common cause.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to bind"

Base: ally
strategic alliancemilitary alliancepolitical alliance

Common misspellings

allianceealliansealyiance

Usage

20%Spoken
80%Written