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
- An agreement between countries, parties or groups to work together, especially in war.
- The countries or groups joined in such an agreement.
- A connection between families by marriage.
- A close connection or relationship between things.
Word family
- misalliance
- realliance
- suballiance
Related words
- ally
- allied
References
- ^ Jones, Daniel (2011), Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary, 18th ed., ed. Peter Roach, Jane Setter and John Esling, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
- ^ a b c d e f g Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
- ^ a b c d Barnhart, Robert K. (1988), The Barnhart Dictionary of Etymology
- ^ a b Hoad, T. F., ed. (1986), The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology, Oxford: Clarendon Press
- ^ 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