Alliances

/əˈlaɪənsɪz/

nounIntermediate📊CommonPolitics/Business
1 meaning1 idiom/phrase1 question

Definitions

1

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

/əˈlaɪənsɪz/

nounneutralIntermediate
Politics/Business

A formal agreement or treaty between parties.

NATO is a powerful military alliance.

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

More Examples

2

The companies forged an alliance to develop new technology.

How It's Used

Politics

"The two countries formed a military alliance to counter the threat."

Business

"The companies entered into a strategic alliance to expand their market share."

Idioms & expressions

form an alliance

To create a formal agreement or partnership.

"The countries decided to form an alliance against the common enemy."

From Old French *aliances, from Latin *alligare 'to bind'. Refers to a bond or connection, evolving to its current meaning of formal agreements between parties.

The concept of alliances has existed for centuries, playing a crucial role in shaping international relations and warfare.

Memory tip

Think 'allied' - alliances are about being allied with others.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to bind"

Base: ally
military alliancestrategic alliancepolitical allianceform an allianceenter into an alliance

Common misspellings

allianciesaliencesalliences

Usage

20%Spoken
80%Written