bloc
- 01 C1 Advanced
a group of countries that join together for trade or political reasons.
a group of nations united by a common interest or a formal treaty, often acting as a single unit in international trade or diplomacy.
Simple“The European Union is a powerful trading bloc that influences global markets.”
In context“Member states within the regional trading bloc negotiated a unified tariff structure to protect domestic industries from external competition.”
UsageOften used with modifiers like 'trading', 'economic', or 'political'.
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
a group of people or politicians who vote the same way to get what they want.
a collection of individuals, parties, or legislators who coordinate their voting behaviour to exert collective influence.
Simple“The conservative bloc in parliament refused to support the new environmental law.”
In context“The legislative bloc remained disciplined during the final reading, ensuring the controversial bill passed despite significant public protest.”
UsageFrequently appears in the phrase 'voting bloc'.
“AFC member Australia has also called for an independent review alongside the Asian bloc, without publicly expressing a position on Infantino’s leadership.”
“The European Union wants to cut packaging waste which has soared alongside the rise in online shopping and on-the-go consumption in the 27-country bloc.”
Borrowed from French bloc (“group, block”), ultimately of Old Dutch origin, from Frankish or Proto-West Germanic blokk, from Proto-Germanic blukką (“beam, log”). Doublet of block.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.