allegiance
Allegiance (noun) means Loyalty or duty owed to a country, leader, cause, or group. Example: “New citizens swear an oath of allegiance to the country.”
How to use allegiance
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLoyal support and commitment to something, especially a country, ruler, or organisation.
Word forms
allegiances plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
New citizens swear an oath of _____ to the country.
Etymology
From Old French ligeance, describing the loyalty a vassal owed to his lord — the root also survives in the word "liege."
Related words
Rhymes for allegiance
See all rhymes for allegiance →Frequently asked questions
What does “allegiance” mean?
The word “allegiance” means loyalty or duty owed to a country, leader, cause, or group. In plain terms, loyal support and commitment to something, especially a country, ruler, or organisation.
How do you pronounce “allegiance”?
“Allegiance” is pronounced uh-LEE-juhns (/əˈliː.d͡ʒəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “allegiance” in a sentence?
Here is “allegiance” used in a sentence: “New citizens swear an oath of allegiance to the country.”
What part of speech is “allegiance”?
“Allegiance” is a noun.
Where does the word “allegiance” come from?
The word “allegiance” comes from Old French. From Old French ligeance, describing the loyalty a vassal owed to his lord — the root also survives in the word "liege.".
Is “allegiance” a common word?
“Allegiance” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "allegiance" and "loyalty"?
"Allegiance" specifically refers to a duty or loyalty owed to a country, leader, cause, or group, often with a formal or sworn quality, as in a pledge of allegiance. "Loyalty" is a broader term that can apply to relationships or friendships without necessarily implying a formal obligation.
Do you say "allegiance to" or "allegiance with"?
"Allegiance to" is the correct and standard construction, as in "allegiance to one's country." "Allegiance with" is not idiomatic usage.
What is a common phrase using "allegiance"?
A well-known example is the "Pledge of Allegiance," a formal statement of loyalty to a country, which illustrates how the word typically describes duty owed to a nation, leader, or cause.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include allegiance: