ally
AL-eye
Ally (noun) means a person, group, or country that supports and cooperates with another, especially against a common opponent. Example: “In the meeting, her manager proved to be a loyal ally.”
noun
1
A person, group, or country that supports and cooperates with another, especially against a common opponent.
"In the meeting, her manager proved to be a loyal ally."
"Britain and France were allies during both World Wars."
"She found an unexpected ally in her old rival."
verb
1
To join or unite with someone for a shared purpose.
"The two shops allied to fight the new parking charges in town."
"She allied herself with her neighbours to save the local library."
"The smaller parties allied themselves against the ruling government."
How to use ally
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone on your side, working with you toward the same goal.
Common mistake
In modern usage, "ally" is also used for someone outside a marginalized group who actively supports it (for example, an LGBTQ+ ally).
Common pairings
close ally
ally with
become allies
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Word forms
- Plural
- allies
- Third person singular
- allies
- Past tense
- allied
- Archaic forms
- allyest, allyeth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
In the meeting, her manager proved to be a loyal _____.
Etymology
From Old French alier, from Latin alligare, "to bind to" — literally someone bound to you by a shared cause.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for ally
See all rhymes for 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.
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