allies: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Formal to neutral; common in politics, history, military, and news.
Quick answer
What does “allies” mean?
Parties, individuals, or nations united by formal agreement, shared goals, or mutual support in a common cause, often for cooperation or protection.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Parties, individuals, or nations united by formal agreement, shared goals, or mutual support in a common cause, often for cooperation or protection.
Can refer to close friends, associates, or supporters in a less formal context; also used in biology/ecology for closely related or symbiotic species; in business/politics, a strategic partner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. In UK contexts, historical reference to 'the Allies' (WWI & WWII) is slightly more prevalent in general discourse. In US contexts, the term is often used in modern geopolitical and corporate strategy.
Connotations
Both carry strong connotations of formal cooperation, often in military or political strife. Can have a positive connotation (reliable partners) or a negative one (forming a bloc against others).
Frequency
Comparatively high frequency in both varieties due to its political and historical centrality.
Grammar
How to Use “allies” in a Sentence
[Country/Entity] and its alliesallies of [Country/Entity]allies with [Country/Entity]allies against [Common Opponent/Threat]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “allies” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The two companies allied to bid for the contract.
- Historically, Britain allied itself with Portugal.
American English
- The senator allied with her opponents to pass the bill.
- The startup is looking to ally with a larger distributor.
adverb
British English
- (No common adverbial form; 'in alliance' is used.)
American English
- (No common adverbial form; 'in alliance' is used.)
adjective
British English
- The allied forces launched a coordinated attack.
- They sought allied support for the proposal.
American English
- Allied nations issued a joint statement.
- We need an allied approach to this problem.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to strategic partners, companies in a joint venture, or firms with aligned interests against a competitor. 'We need strong allies in the Asian market.'
Academic
Used in political science, history, and international relations to describe state alliances (e.g., NATO allies). Also in social sciences for groups aligning on an issue.
Everyday
Used for friends or groups who support each other, e.g., 'She gathered her allies to plan the surprise party.'
Technical
In ecology, refers to species that benefit each other. In game theory, refers to cooperating players.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “allies”
- Misspelling as 'alllys' or 'alies'. Incorrect singular/plural: 'He is one of our ally' (should be 'allies' or 'an ally'). Confusing verb 'ally' (uh-LYE) with noun 'allies' (AL-eyes).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Allies' implies a relationship based on a shared goal, often against a common challenge or opponent, and can be temporary or strategic. 'Friends' implies a personal, emotional bond that is more general and enduring.
The singular form is 'ally' (pronounced AL-eye or uh-LYE). 'Allies' is the plural. The verb is 'to ally' (uh-LYE).
It is capitalised when referring to the specific coalition in World War I or World War II (e.g., 'The Allies landed in Normandy'). In general use, it is not capitalised (e.g., 'seeking allies').
It is pronounced /ˈælaɪz/ (AL-eyes). Be careful not to confuse it with the verb 'allies' (uh-LYZ) as in 'She allies herself with them.'
Parties, individuals, or nations united by formal agreement, shared goals, or mutual support in a common cause, often for cooperation or protection.
Allies is usually formal to neutral; common in politics, history, military, and news. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Strange bedfellows”
- “To have allies in high places”
- “An ally in need is an ally indeed (parody of proverb).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ALLIES = ALL LIES? No! In an alliance, you promise to tell the truth and support each other. Think 'All eyes' are on the allied forces working together.
Conceptual Metaphor
COOPERATION IS PHYSICAL PROXIMITY / UNITY ('close allies', 'band together'); AN ALLIANCE IS A BOND/TIE ('strengthen ties with allies'); WAR/POLITICS IS A GAME ('gain/lose allies').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'allies' LEAST appropriate?