Liaison

liˈeɪzɒn

nounmedium📊CommonGeneral
3 meanings1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

3 meanings
1

A person who helps groups or organizations to work together and provide a connection.

liˈeɪzɒn

nounneutralmedium
General

A person who acts as a link to assist communication or cooperation between groups.

He worked as a liaison between the police and the community.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to plan a party with your friends, but everyone has different ideas. A liaison is like the person who listens to everyone and makes sure all the ideas come together to create a fun party plan! They keep everyone connected.

👶 For kids: A person who helps two groups talk and work together.

More Examples

2

The new employee will act as a liaison with the international partners.

3

The project manager served as a liaison to keep the teams informed.

How It's Used

Diplomacy

"The diplomat served as a liaison between the two warring nations."

Business

"She is the company's liaison for public relations."

2

Communication and coordination that allows two or more groups to cooperate and be connected.

liˈeɪzɒn

nounneutralmedium
General

Communication or cooperation that facilitates a close working relationship.

Regular liaison between departments is crucial for project success.

💡 Simply: Imagine two teams working on a project. A liaison is the constant flow of messages and teamwork that keeps them connected. It's like when you share information with your friend so that you're both on the same page.

👶 For kids: When people or groups talk and work together.

More Examples

2

The strong liaison between the research team and the engineers led to innovative products.

3

Effective liaison ensures that all parties are kept informed and can collaborate effectively.

How It's Used

Military

"The military has a liaison with the Red Cross for humanitarian aid."

Healthcare

"The patient's family appreciated the hospital's liaison with their insurance company."

Tip:Think of it as the 'zone' where two groups 'lie' (connect) and interact.
3

A secret, romantic, or sexual relationship, especially an adulterous one.

liˈeɪzɒn

nounneutralAdvanced
General

A secretive or illicit sexual relationship.

The scandal involved a liaison between a celebrity and their assistant.

💡 Simply: Think of this as a secret romance—when two people are secretly involved romantically.

👶 For kids: When two people are secretly in love or have a secret relationship.

More Examples

2

The detective was hired to investigate the illicit liaison.

3

The story focused on the consequences of an extramarital liaison.

How It's Used

Literary

"The novel portrayed a complicated liaison between two married characters."

Historical

"Rumors of a royal liaison circulated among the court."

Tip:Think of it as a 'lie-on' – a secret relationship where the parties 'lie' together.

Idioms & expressions

to be in liaison with

To be in communication or cooperation with another person or group.

"The marketing team is in liaison with the sales department to coordinate the product launch."

From French, meaning 'connection' or 'relationship,' derived from the verb 'lier' meaning 'to bind.' It entered English in the 17th century.

Historically, 'liaison' was used in military contexts to refer to a person acting as a link between different units or armies.

Memory tip

Think of it as a 'link-on', someone who links groups together.

Word Origin

LanguageFrench
Original meaning

"to bind, to connect"

Base: lier (French root)
serve as a liaisonliaison officermaintain a liaisonclose liaisonestablish liaison

Common misspellings

liaizonliason

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written