re-ally
C1Formal, political, strategic, literary.
Definition
Meaning
To form a new alliance or connection, especially after a period of separation or conflict.
To reunite for a common purpose; to re-establish friendly relations or a partnership, often in a political, military, or personal context.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The hyphenated form 're-ally' is used to distinguish it from the more common word 'rally' (to come together for a cause). It emphasizes the act of forming an alliance *again*.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common in British political/historical commentary. American usage may favor phrasal verbs like 'team up again' or 'renew an alliance' in everyday contexts.
Connotations
Both varieties carry connotations of strategic, often calculated, reunification after a rift.
Frequency
Low-frequency word in both varieties, primarily found in analytical writing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] re-allies with [Object][Subject] re-allies against [Object][Subject] re-allies [Object] (less common, transitive)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To mend fences (broader, interpersonal)”
- “To let bygones be bygones (broader, forgiving)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. 'The two firms re-allied to dominate the emerging market.'
Academic
Used in political science, history, and international relations texts.
Everyday
Very rare. Typically replaced by 'got back together' or 'made up' for personal relationships.
Technical
Specific to political and strategic discourse.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- After the truce, the two warring clans sought to re-ally against the colonial power.
- The minister was tasked with re-lying the nation with its traditional partners.
American English
- The senators decided to re-ally with their former opponents to pass the budget bill.
- In the face of new competition, the tech companies re-allied.
adverb
British English
- The groups operated re-allied for the duration of the campaign.
American English
- They fought re-allied, having settled their previous dispute.
adjective
British English
- The re-allied forces presented a formidable front.
- A re-allied coalition government was formed.
American English
- The re-allied factions drafted a new treaty.
- Their re-allied status was confirmed at the summit.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The two friends re-allied after their argument.
- Historically, the neighbouring countries have re-allied multiple times against common invaders.
- Realpolitik often necessitates that former adversaries re-ally when the geopolitical landscape shifts dramatically.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'ally' meaning friend/partner. 'RE-ally' means to make someone your ally RE-peatedly or again.
Conceptual Metaphor
ALLIANCES ARE BONDS (that can be retied).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'really' (действительно).
- Not a direct translation of 'перегруппироваться' (regroup) – which is more tactical.
- Closer to 'восстановить союз'.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'rally'.
- Using without hyphen and being misunderstood.
- Incorrect stress on first syllable (/ˈriːælaɪ/).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 're-ally' MOST appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word primarily used in political, historical, or strategic analysis.
The hyphen distinguishes it from 'rally' (to assemble/muster support). 'Re-ally' unambiguously means to become allies again.
It can, but it sounds very formal and strategic. Words like 'reconcile' or 'make up' are more natural for everyday use.
The primary stress is on '-ally' (the second syllable), with a secondary stress on 're-': /ˌriːˈæl.aɪ/.