ally
n. countablen. a person, country, or group that joins with another to help them. Allies work together for a common goal, like winning a war or fighting for social change.
n. a state formally cooperating with another for a military or other purpose, typically by treaty. It can also refer to a person or group that provides support to another in a struggle.
France is a key ally of the United States.
During the war, the two nations became close allies, sharing intelligence and resources.
In the fight for equality, a true ally is not just a passive supporter but someone who actively uses their privilege to amplify marginalized voices.
From Middle English allien, alien (“to form an alliance, associate, join; to become an ally; to introduce (someone) as an ally; to marry; to become related (to someone); to attack, engage in combat; to combine; (cooking) to combine ingredients, especially to bind them together”) [and other forms], from Anglo-Norman alier, allier, Middle French alier, allier [and other forms], and Old French alier (“to join together, unite; to alloy (metals); (cooking) to combine ingredients”) (modern French allier), from Latin alligāre, the present active infinitive of alligō, adligō (“to bind around, to, or up (something), bandage, fasten, fetter, tie; to hold fast; to detain, hinder”), from al-, ad- (intensifying prefix) + ligō (“to bind, tie; to bandage, wrap around; to unite”) (from Proto-Indo-European *leyǵ- (“to bind, tie”)). Doublet of allay, alligate, alloy, and ligament.
From Middle English allie, alie [and other forms], probably partly: * from allien (verb): see etymology 1; and * from Anglo-Norman allié, alié, alyé, allyé, Middle French allié, alié, allyé (“associate, supporter; friend; relative; person, state, etc., associated or united with another by alliance or treaty”), and Old French alliiet (“military or political ally”) (modern French allié), a noun use of the past participle of Anglo-Norman alier, allier, Middle French alier, allier, and Old French alier (verb): see etymology 1.
See alley.
Commonly followed by 'of' to indicate the person or group being supported, or 'to' for the cause being supported.
The UK is a strong alliance of the US.The UK is a strong ally of the US.Learners may confuse 'ally' (the person/group) with 'alliance' (the relationship or union).