Words / B2

YOON-if-eye/ˈjuːnɪfaɪ/

To unify is to join separate parts into one: unify the system; unify the party. Unite is close (next entries) and often about people and purpose; merge is corporate. Unification is the noun. Do not call a loose alliance unified. IT and politics: unify platforms / unify the message.

Meaning

To join separate parts into one whole.

Examples

• “The merger will unify the two exam boards’ marking systems.”
• “A single brand was meant to unify the trusts, which staff doubted.”

Good to know

unify + noun (systems, parties, standards). Close: unite (people/purpose). Corporate: merge. Noun: unification. Not a loose alliance.

Near in meaning

unite

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