Ally - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT ally 1. /ˈælaɪ/ a friendly nation 2. /əˈlaɪ/ become an associate, as by a treaty or marriage IPA guide

Other forms: allies; allied; Allies; allying

If you have an ally, you have someone who is on your side, like a more experienced teammate who is your ally in convincing the coach to give you more playing time.

Ally comes from the Latin word alligare, meaning "to bind to," like nations who are allies in wartime — they will act together, and protect one another. You can also use ally as a verb, meaning "join forces with." For example, you might ally yourself with influential people to advance your career. As a noun, pronounce ally like this: "AL-eye." As a verb, it's "uh-LIE."

Definitions of ally (/ˈælaɪ/)

noun a friendly nation see moresee less type of: body politic, commonwealth, country, land, nation, res publica, state a politically organized body of people under a single government
noun an associate who provides cooperation or assistance “he's a good ally in fight” synonyms: friend see moresee less types: blood brother a male sworn (usually by a ceremony involving the mingling of blood) to treat another as his brother type of: associate a person who joins with others in some activity or endeavor

Definitions of ally (/əˈlaɪ/)

verb become an ally or associate, as by a treaty or marriage “He allied himself with the Communists” see moresee less types: misally make a bad alliance; ally inappropriately type of: affiliate, associate, assort, consort keep company with; hang out with

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Vocabulary lists containing ally

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Declare your independence and master these words related to the American Revolution. Learn all about the conflict between the colonists and the redcoats, from the Boston Tea Party to the British surrender at Yorktown. Explore causes of the war and review major battles, key historical figures, and the structure of the new American republic.

Excerpt from "The Philosophy of Literary Form" by Kenneth Burke MORE VOCABULARY LISTS 2 million people are mastering new words. Master a word

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