English Reference
adjective

allied

adj.
US /ˈæˌɫaɪd/ al·lied

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    joined together by a formal agreement or shared goal.

    joined or united in a formal relationship, such as a treaty or political partnership.

    Simple

    The two companies are allied in their fight against the new tax law.

    In context

    Several smaller political factions remained allied throughout the negotiations to ensure their collective interests were represented in the final bill.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    relating to the countries that fought together in World War I or World War II.

    pertaining specifically to the nations—primarily the UK, US, and Soviet Union—that opposed the Axis powers during the World Wars.

    Simple

    The museum has a large collection of Allied uniforms from the 1940s.

    In context

    Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy in June 1944, marking a decisive turning point in the European theatre of the war.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    similar to something else or connected in some way.

    related by nature, character, or logical connection; often used to describe academic or professional fields.

    Simple

    The university offers courses in nursing and allied health subjects.

    In context

    The study of linguistics is closely allied to psychology, as both disciplines seek to understand the underlying structures of human cognition.

Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war since 2014, when the Houthis and allied forces took the capital city of Sana’a and pushed the then government out of power.

The Guardian· 5 Sept 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated