Words / C1

sol-i-DAR-uh-tee/ˌsɒlɪˈdærəti/

Solidarity is standing together, especially in difficulty: show solidarity, solidarity with strikers. Unity is a close cousin; support is everyday and can be one-way. Solitary is alone — a lookalike. Do not call a like on social media solidarity unless something real was shared or risked.

Meaning

Unity and mutual support within a group, especially in difficulty.

Examples

• “Staff showed solidarity by covering the night shift together.”
• “Covering the night shift together was solidarity; a logo change was not.”
• “Solidarity with is the usual pattern; unity is the looser everyday cousin.”

Good to know

Mutual support in a group, especially under pressure. Pattern: solidarity with. Close: unity. Mix-up: solitary (alone).

Near in meaning

unity

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