alliance

Pronunciation

• IPA: /əˈlaɪ.əns/^[1]

Etymology

It is inherited from Middle English aliaunce, borrowed from Old French aliance (“alliance, bond, marriage”),^[2][3][4] from alier (“to combine, unite”), and the suffix -ance.^[3][4] See ally.^[2][3] The Latin noun was alligantia.^[2]

Earliest recorded meaning

A bond of marriage, especially between ruling or noble families: 1297 in the OED, about 1300 in Etymonline and Barnhart.^[5][2][3]

Semantic evolution

A union for a common purpose and a treaty between nations are from the mid-14th century, 1366 in the OED, as is the sense “a group of allies”.^[2][5] Unlike its synonyms, the word was rarely used of a combination for evil purposes.^[2] A likeness or affinity in nature is from 1677 in the OED, the 1670s in Etymonline.^[5][2] In botany Lindley used it for a group of plant orders, from 1836.^[5] Alliance Party, the name of several political parties, is from 1970.^[5]

Timeline

• 1297 – a union by marriage.^[5]
• 1366 – a union for a common purpose; a treaty.^[5]
• 1677 – affinity.^[5]
• 1836 – in botany.^[5]

Modern meaning

Noun

1. An agreement between countries, parties or groups to work together, especially in war.
2. The countries or groups joined in such an agreement.
3. A connection between families by marriage.
4. A close connection or relationship between things.

Word family

• misalliance
• realliance
• suballiance

Related words

• ally
• allied

References

1. ^ Jones, Daniel (2011), Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary, 18th ed., ed. Peter Roach, Jane Setter and John Esling, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
2. ^ a b c d e f g Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
3. ^ a b c d Barnhart, Robert K. (1988), The Barnhart Dictionary of Etymology
4. ^ a b Hoad, T. F., ed. (1986), The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology, Oxford: Clarendon Press
5. ^ a b c d e f g h i Simpson, J. A.; Weiner, E. S. C., eds. (1989), The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Clarendon Press