ally
0 antonyms and opposites of ally, grouped by meaning.
Noun — A person, group, or country that supports and cooperates with another, especially against a common opponent.
How to use ally
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French alier, from Latin alligare, "to bind to" — literally someone bound to you by a shared cause.
Full origin of ally →Frequently asked questions
What does “ally” mean?
The word “ally” means a person, group, or country that supports and cooperates with another, especially against a common opponent. In plain terms, someone on your side, working with you toward the same goal.
How do you pronounce “ally”?
“Ally” is pronounced AL-eye (/ˈæl.aɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “ally” in a sentence?
Here is “ally” used in a sentence: “She found an unexpected ally in her old rival.”
What part of speech is “ally”?
Depending on how it is used, “ally” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “ally” come from?
The word “ally” comes from Latin. From Old French alier, from Latin alligare, "to bind to" — literally someone bound to you by a shared cause.
Is “ally” a common word?
“Ally” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “ally” have?
“Ally” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person, group, or country that supports and cooperates with another, especially against a common opponent.
What is the difference between an 'ally' and a 'friend'?
An 'ally' is a person, group, or country that supports and cooperates with another, often toward a shared goal or against a common opponent. A 'friend' is someone you share a personal bond of affection with. Allies work together for a purpose, whereas friendship centres on personal closeness.
What is the difference between an 'ally' and a 'partner'?
An 'ally' supports another, especially against a common opponent, and the connection is often strategic. A 'partner' shares in an activity, business, or relationship on more equal, ongoing terms. Alliances tend to form around a cause, while partnerships centre on joint participation.
What is the difference between 'ally' and 'alley'?
'Ally' is a supporter or associate, and can also be a verb meaning to unite with someone. 'Alley' is a narrow passage or lane between or behind buildings. The two look similar but are spelled and used quite differently.
What preposition follows 'ally' as a verb?
As a verb, 'ally' is usually followed by 'with', as in 'they allied with their neighbours'. The forms 'allied with' and 'allied to' are both used to describe a connection that has been formed.