Words / B2

uh-LEYE-uh-ns/əˈlaɪəns/

An alliance is an agreement to work together, especially between groups, parties, or countries. Partnership is everyday and often commercial; coalition is common in politics. You form / enter / break an alliance. Ally is the person or country. In speech, working together or partnership is plainer unless you mean a formal pact.

Meaning

An agreement to work together, especially between countries or groups.

Examples

• “The two schools formed an alliance.”
• “The two charities formed an alliance to share training costs.”
• “An alliance of local shops opposed the late-night licence.”

Good to know

form / break an alliance. Close: partnership (business), coalition (politics). Everyday: partnership.

Near in meaning

partnership

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