ally
noun /ˈælaɪ/
/ˈælaɪ/
(plural allies)
Word Family
- ally verb noun
- allied adjective
- alliance noun
- [countable] a country that has agreed to help and support another country, especially in case of a war
- our European/NATO allies
- a loyal ally of the United States
- Portugal is a traditional ally of England.
WordfinderTopics Politicsc1- accord
- ally
- bilateral
- cross-border
- diplomat
- embassy
- international
- rapprochement
- relationship
- treaty
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- great
- important
- key
- …
- have
- find
- gain
- …
- ally against
- find an ally in somebody
- have an ally in somebody
- a friend and ally
- …
- [countable] a person who helps and supports somebody who is in a difficult situation, especially a politician
- a close ally and friend of the prime minister
- her most powerful political ally
- His sister was his ally against their grandparents.
Extra ExamplesTopics Family and relationshipsc1- Charles remained a close ally of the French king.
- He now had an ally against his boss.
- Jane felt that she had an ally.
- She had found an ally in her old teacher.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- great
- important
- key
- …
- have
- find
- gain
- …
- ally against
- find an ally in somebody
- have an ally in somebody
- a friend and ally
- …
- the Allies[plural] the group of countries including the UK and the US that fought together in the First and Second World Wars
- the Western Allies
CultureIn the First World War the Allies included Britain, France, Italy, Russia, the US and the countries of the British Empire. They fought against Germany, Austria-Hungary, Turkey and Bulgaria. In the Second World War the Allies included Britain, France, the US, the USSR amd the countries of the Commonwealth. They fought against Germany, Italy and Japan (the Axis powers).
Word OriginMiddle English (as a verb): from Old French alier, from Latin alligare ‘bind together’, from ad- ‘to’ + ligare ‘to bind’; the noun is partly via Old French alie ‘allied’. Compare with alloy.