Alliance
Definitions and Meaning in English
- A union or association formed for mutual benefit, typically between countries, organizations, or groups.
- An agreement or partnership where two or more parties come together to support a common goal or cause.
- A relationship formed based on shared interests, goals, or purposes, often in political, military, or business contexts.
History and Origin
The word alliance comes from the Old French aliance, from the Latin alligare, meaning “to bind to, connect.” It has been in use since the 14th century, initially referring to a formal agreement or bond between nations for mutual defense or support. Over time, the term has broadened to describe any cooperative relationship between two or more parties, not limited to political or military contexts.
Detailed Explanation
An alliance refers to the act of joining forces or forming a partnership for mutual benefit. Alliances can occur in various areas such as politics, business, military, or social causes. In political or military terms, an alliance might involve two countries agreeing to defend each other or work together on common issues. In business, it could involve two companies collaborating to improve market reach or share resources. The essence of an alliance is cooperation based on shared goals or mutual interests, often formalized by an agreement.
Example Sentences
- The two countries formed an alliance to fight against the common enemy.
- The business alliance between the two tech giants helped them dominate the market.
- The political alliance allowed smaller parties to have a stronger voice in government.
- They signed an alliance to work together in humanitarian aid efforts.
- The alliance between environmental groups and scientists pushed for stronger climate action.
- The alliance of European countries worked together to manage the economic crisis.
- The military alliance ensured that both countries would come to each other’s aid if attacked.
- They entered into an alliance with local farmers to ensure sustainable production.
- The alliance between the companies improved their ability to innovate and compete globally.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Partnership – A cooperative arrangement between two or more parties to work together for mutual benefit.
- Coalition – A group formed by different parties or entities to achieve a common goal.
- Union – A joining of two or more parties for a specific purpose or interest.
- Collaboration – Working together with others on a shared project or goal, similar to an alliance.
- Confederation – A loose alliance of groups or states that retain control but work together for common purposes.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Treaty – A formal agreement between two or more parties, often marking an alliance in political or military contexts.
- Agreement – A mutual arrangement or understanding, often forming the basis of an alliance.
- Affiliation – A connection or association with a group or cause, akin to an alliance.
- Symbiosis – A relationship where both parties benefit, similar to an alliance in nature.
- League – An association of groups or individuals working together for a common cause, like an alliance.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Pact – A formal agreement or treaty, often signifying a partnership or alliance.
- Confederacy – A group of states or entities united for a shared purpose, much like an alliance.
- Collaborative effort – A joint project or venture, resembling the concept of an alliance.
- Business tie – A connection or partnership between companies, similar to an alliance in the corporate world.
- Strategic partnership – A deliberate, long-term collaboration between entities to achieve common goals, similar to an alliance.
Antonyms
- Opposition – The act of resisting or opposing something, the opposite of forming an alliance.
- Rivalry – Competition or conflict between entities, opposed to cooperation found in an alliance.
- Conflict – A state of disagreement or opposition, the direct contrast to the cooperation in an alliance.
- Division – The act of separating or being apart, in contrast to forming an alliance.
- Estrangement – The state of being distanced or separated, opposite of the closeness in an alliance.