Alliance Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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alliance

[əˈlaɪəns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

military

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

Synonyms

coalition, partnership, union.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
alliance

Used in formal or diplomatic settings where two or more entities come together to achieve common goals, especially in politics or military contexts.

  • The countries formed an alliance to combat the growing threat.
  • An alliance between the two companies helped them penetrate new markets.
partnership

Commonly used in business or casual settings where two or more parties collaborate for mutual benefit. It can be long-term and usually implies a close working relationship.

  • The tech firms entered a partnership to develop new software.
  • They have a successful business partnership that has lasted for over ten years.
coalition

Often used in political contexts where different groups or parties temporarily join forces, especially for a specific cause or during an election.

  • A coalition of environmental groups is lobbying for stronger regulations.
  • The new government was formed by a coalition of various political parties.
union

Used to describe a formal association of workers or organizations, often implying a long-term commitment. It can also refer to a merger of entities into one unit.

  • The labor union negotiated better wages for its members.
  • The creation of the European Union aimed to foster economic cooperation among member states.

Examples of usage

  • The two countries formed a strong alliance to combat terrorism.
  • The alliance between the two organizations helped them achieve their goals.
Context #2 | Noun

business

A relationship in which people agree to work together.

Synonyms

collaboration, cooperation, partnership.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
alliance

Used for formal agreements between countries, political parties, or organizations where they work together toward common goals.

  • The two countries formed a military alliance to ensure mutual protection.
  • The political parties entered into an alliance to defeat the incumbent government.
partnership

Used when two or more parties work together closely and share responsibilities, often in a business or professional context.

  • The two companies entered into a partnership to develop new technology.
  • Their partnership in the law firm lasted for over 20 years.
collaboration

Used for working together on a specific project or task, often in academic, artistic, or professional settings.

  • The scientists are in collaboration to research new treatments for cancer.
  • The film was a collaboration between directors from different countries.
cooperation

Used for the act of working together toward common benefits or goals, often in a less formal or official context.

  • The success of the community project depends on the cooperation of all the residents.
  • There must be cooperation between the departments to achieve the annual targets.

Examples of usage

  • The alliance between the two companies proved to be very successful.
  • The business alliance allowed both companies to expand their market reach.
Context #3 | Noun

politics

A close association of groups or nations promoting common interests.

Synonyms

coalition, partnership, union.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
alliance

Used when two or more groups join forces for mutual benefit, often in a political or military context.

  • The two countries formed an alliance to counter the common threat.
  • The alliance between the companies aimed to develop new technology.
coalition

Often used in a political or social context to describe a temporary partnership of different groups who work together for a specific goal.

  • A coalition of environmental organizations rallied to protest the new law.
  • The coalition government struggled to agree on several key issues.
partnership

Describes a business or professional relationship where both parties collaborate to achieve shared objectives.

  • The two firms entered into a partnership to expand their market reach.
  • Their partnership with local NGOs helped the project succeed.
union

Typically refers to the formal joining of individuals or groups for a collective purpose, common in labor or organizational contexts.

  • The workers formed a union to negotiate better wages and working conditions.
  • The European Union aims to promote economic and political cooperation among its member states.

Examples of usage

  • The political alliance between the two parties ensured a stable government.
  • The alliance of nations worked together to address global issues.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word originates from the Latin word 'alligare,' which means 'to bind' or 'to unite.'
  • Throughout history, various kings and queens formed alliances for peace, such as the Pact of London in 1839.
  • The concept of alliances was crucial during both World Wars, leading to large coalitions of countries fighting against common enemies.

Political Science

  • Alliances are key in international relations, as they can deter aggression and promote stability between countries.
  • NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is a prominent military alliance established in 1949 to provide collective defense.
  • Economic alliances, like the European Union, facilitate trade and political cooperation among member countries.

Pop Culture

  • In popular TV shows, alliances often form among characters to enhance drama, such as in 'Survivor' or 'Game of Thrones.'
  • The phrase 'friendship is a strong alliance' is often used in movies to showcase teamwork against villains.
  • 'The Avengers' movie series emphasizes alliances among superheroes to protect the world from danger.

Literature

  • In literature, alliances are often central to plots, such as Frodo’s alliance with Aragorn and Legolas in 'The Lord of the Rings.'
  • Shakespeare often depicted alliances in plays, highlighting their impact on power dynamics among characters.
  • The theme of alliance can also be observed in classic tales like 'The Three Musketeers,' where loyalty among friends is crucial.

Psychology

  • In social psychology, forming alliances can be crucial for group identity and cohesion, helping individuals feel accepted.
  • Alliances can enhance cooperation and reduce conflict in group settings by creating a sense of shared purpose.
  • Studies show that individuals in alliances are more likely to take risks for each other, demonstrating loyalty and trust.

Origin of 'alliance'

The word 'alliance' originated from Old French 'aliier' meaning 'combine, unite'. It entered the English language in the early 13th century. The concept of alliances has been prevalent throughout history, with countries, organizations, and individuals forming partnerships for various purposes such as defense, trade, and mutual benefit.


See also: allied, allies.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,791, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.