alliance English · revision 5500

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=borrowing|attested=1297}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /əˈlaɪ.əns/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is [[inh|enm|aliaunce]], [[bor|fro|aliance|t=alliance, bond, marriage]],^(Etymonline)^(Barnhart 1988)^(Hoad 1986) from [[m|fro|alier|t=to combine, unite]], and the suffix -ance.^(Barnhart 1988)^(Hoad 1986) See [[ally]].^(Etymonline)^(Barnhart 1988) The Latin noun was alligantia.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ A bond of marriage, especially between ruling or noble families: 1297 in the OED, about 1300 in Etymonline and Barnhart.^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline)^(Barnhart 1988)

+

+ ==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”.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) Unlike its synonyms, the word was rarely used of a combination for evil purposes.^(Etymonline) A likeness or affinity in nature is from 1677 in the OED, the 1670s in Etymonline.^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline) In botany Lindley used it for a group of plant orders, from 1836.^(OED 1989) Alliance Party, the name of several political parties, is from 1970.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1297 – a union by marriage.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1366 – a union for a common purpose; a treaty.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1677 – affinity.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1836 – in botany.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # An agreement between countries, parties or groups to work together, especially in war.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # The countries or groups joined in such an agreement.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # A connection between families by [[marriage]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # A close connection or [[relationship]] between things.^(AHD)^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[misalliance]]

+ * [[realliance]]

+ * [[suballiance]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[ally]]

+ * [[allied]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}