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Union: meaning, definitions and examples

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union

 

[ˈjuːnjən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

set

A set that contains all elements of two or more sets without repetition.

Synonyms

combination, junction, merge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
union

Often used when talking about the joining together of people, organizations, or countries for a common purpose.

  • The labor union negotiated better working conditions for its members
  • The political union between the two nations strengthened their influence
combination

Typically refers to mixing different elements, substances, or ideas to create something new.

  • The recipe calls for a combination of spices to achieve the perfect flavor
  • Her unique combination of skills makes her an excellent candidate for the job
merge

Commonly employed to describe the process of blending companies, departments, or other entities into a single entity.

  • The two tech companies decided to merge to compete more effectively
  • Traffic will merge from three lanes to two ahead
junction

Used when talking about a point where two or more things meet or cross, often in the context of roads or railway lines.

  • The highway junction is always busy during rush hour
  • The train station sits at the junction of the main lines

Examples of usage

  • The union of sets A and B is denoted by A ∪ B.
  • The union of the three sets contains all elements from the individual sets.
Context #2 | Noun

organization

An organized association of workers formed to protect and further their rights and interests.

Synonyms

association, guild, syndicate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
union

Use this word when referring to a group of workers or organizations joined together for a common purpose, often related to labor rights or political movements.

  • The workers' union organized a strike to demand better working conditions.
  • Several countries formed a union to tackle climate change together.
association

This term is best used for groups of people or organizations that come together for a specific purpose, usually professional, social, or cultural.

  • She joined the teachers' association to connect with other educators.
  • The neighborhood association meets once a month to discuss community issues.
guild

Use 'guild' to describe historical or medieval groups of artisans or tradespeople who come together to protect their interests or maintain standards in their craft. It can also refer to modern professional groups in some sectors.

  • The stonemasons' guild was very influential in medieval Europe.
  • He is a member of the writers' guild, which helps protect authors' rights.
syndicate

This word is often associated with an alliance of individuals or organizations formed to conduct a specific business or criminal activity. It usually has a somewhat negative or secretive connotation.

  • The press syndicate distributed the news articles to various newspapers.
  • The police uncovered a crime syndicate involved in illegal smuggling.

Examples of usage

  • The union negotiated with the company for better working conditions.
  • The labor union voted to go on strike.
Context #3 | Noun

marriage

The joining or blending of two people or things.

Synonyms

alliance, fusion, merger.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
union

Used when referring to a formal group of people who have come together for a common purpose, often in labor or politics.

  • The workers formed a union to negotiate better wages.
  • The union of different political parties helped win the election.
merger

Typically used in a business context to describe the combining of two or more companies into a single entity.

  • The merger of the two companies created a market leader.
  • The banking sector has seen several major mergers in recent years.
fusion

Best used in scientific, artistic, or culinary contexts when different elements are combined to create something new.

  • The restaurant offers a unique fusion of Asian and European cuisine.
  • Nuclear fusion is the process that powers the stars.
alliance

Appropriate when talking about an agreement or partnership between groups or nations to work together for mutual benefit, especially in politics or war.

  • The countries formed an alliance to combat the common enemy.
  • The alliance between the two tech giants led to groundbreaking innovations.

Examples of usage

  • The union of two souls in marriage.
  • The union of flavors in the dish created a unique taste.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • This term comes from the Latin word 'unio,' meaning 'one' or 'unity,' reflecting the idea of coming together.
  • The word has evolved over time, appearing in English texts since the 14th century to represent both physical and abstract combined forms.
  • In philosophical contexts, it often refers to the merging of different elements into a single entity.

Politics

  • Historically, 'union' often refers to the joining of states or countries for political reasons, such as the United States forming in the 18th century.
  • Trade unions emerged in the 19th century, allowing workers to band together for better rights and working conditions.
  • Unions play a crucial role in labor negotiations, advocating for wages, safety, and fair treatment.

Cultural Significance

  • In marriage, 'union' symbolizes the commitment and bond between two individuals making a life together.
  • Many cultural celebrations, such as weddings, highlight the importance of union in forming bonds between families and communities.
  • The concept also exists in religious contexts, where unity among believers is often emphasized.

Science

  • In chemistry, 'union' can describe how atoms bond together to form molecules, demonstrating how elements combine to create new substances.
  • In biology, symbiotic relationships can be seen as unions, where different species live together and help each other survive.
  • The theory of evolution can also be viewed through the lens of union, as species adapt and merge traits over generations.

Literature

  • Union often appears as a theme in literature, representing harmony, collaboration, and the overcoming of conflict.
  • In many stories, the journey of characters coming together serves as a cornerstone for character development and plot progression.
  • Poets and authors frequently use the idea of union to explore relationships, community, and societal issues.

Translations

Translations of the word "union" in other languages:

🇵🇹 união

🇮🇳 संघ

🇩🇪 Union

🇮🇩 serikat

🇺🇦 союз

🇵🇱 unia

🇯🇵 連合 (れんごう)

🇫🇷 union

🇪🇸 unión

🇹🇷 birlik

🇰🇷 연합 (연합)

🇸🇦 اتحاد

🇨🇿 unie

🇸🇰 únia

🇨🇳 联盟 (liánméng)

🇸🇮 unija

🇮🇸 samband

🇰🇿 одақ

🇬🇪 კავშირი

🇦🇿 ittifaq

🇲🇽 unión

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,106, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.