allies
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.people or groups that help and support you, especially when others are against you.
n.individuals or groups that provide support or cooperate with another for a common purpose.
Simple“She knew she needed strong allies in the office to get her project approved.”
In context“The CEO sought allies among the minority shareholders to ensure the merger would proceed despite opposition from the board.”
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.countries that have agreed to help and defend each other, usually during a war.
n.sovereign states formally cooperated with another for a military or strategic purpose, typically by treaty.
Simple“The two countries have been close allies for decades, sharing military secrets and trade.”
In context“Diplomatic tensions rose when one of the nation's oldest allies refused to support the new trade embargo.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the specific groups of countries that fought together in World War I or World War II.
n.the specific coalitions of nations that opposed the Central Powers in WWI or the Axis Powers in WWII.
Simple“The Allies landed in France in 1944 to begin the liberation of Europe.”
In context“Historians often debate the level of strategic coordination between the Allies during the final months of the conflict.”
Synonymsthe allied powersAntonymsthe axiscentral powers - 04 C1 Advanced
v.to join with another person or group to work toward a goal.
v.to combine or unite resources and efforts for a specific, often political or military, objective.
Simple“The small tech company allies with larger firms to reach more customers.”
In context“The local faction usually allies with whichever national party promises the most significant infrastructure investment.”
UsageThe verb is often used with the preposition 'with'.
“Asian allies are beginning to wonder whether the United States would or could defend them in a war.”
“Last year, the UK joined allies, including France and Canada, in recognising a Palestinian state.”