alliance

The word “alliance” means a formal agreement or partnership between countries, groups, or people to work together for a shared goal. In plain terms, a partnership formed for mutual benefit, whether between countries, businesses, or people.

“Alliance” is pronounced uh-LEYE-uhns (/əˈlaɪ.əns/ in IPA).

Here is “alliance” used in a sentence: “The two nations formed a military alliance against a common enemy.”

“Alliance” is a noun.

The word “alliance” comes from Old French. From Old French aliance, built on the verb alier, "to bind together" — the same root as the word "ally.".

“Alliance” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Alliance” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a formal agreement or partnership between countries, groups, or people to work together for a shared goal.

An alliance is usually a longer-term, formal partnership based on shared interests, often sealed by a treaty, like a military alliance. A coalition tends to be a looser, temporary grouping formed to achieve one specific goal, such as a coalition government. Alliances imply deeper, more lasting commitment.

Common types include military alliances, such as defence pacts; political alliances between parties or nations; and business or strategic alliances, where companies cooperate for mutual gain. There are also personal and social alliances between individuals or groups. All share the idea of joining forces toward a common purpose.

A well-known example is NATO, a military alliance in which member countries agree to defend one another. Other examples include trade alliances between nations, alliances between political parties to form a government, and business alliances where two companies partner on a project. Each unites separate parties for a shared goal.