ally

¹

[ verb uh-lahy; noun al-ahy, uh-lahy ]

verb (used with object)

, al·lied, al·ly·ing.

1. to unite formally, as by treaty, league, marriage, or the like (usually followed by with or to ):

   Russia allied itself to France.

   Synonyms: wed, combine, join, unify

2. to associate or connect by some mutual relationship, as resemblance or friendship.

verb (used without object)

, al·lied, al·ly·ing.

1. to enter into an alliance; join; unite.

noun

, plural al·lies.

1. a person, group, or nation that is associated with another or others for some common cause or purpose:

   Canada and the United States were allies in World War II.

   Synonyms: confederate, partner

   Antonyms: adversary, foe, enemy

2. Biology. a plant, animal, or other organism bearing an evolutionary relationship to another, often as a member of the same family:

   The squash is an ally of the watermelon.

3. a person who associates or cooperates with another; supporter.

   Synonyms: helper, assistant, auxiliary, coadjutor, colleague, abettor, accessory, accomplice, aide, friend

   Antonyms: adversary, foe, enemy

4. a person who advocates for or supports a marginalized or politicized group but is not a member of the group: As a man, how can I be a good ally to women in the struggle for gender equality?

   Straight allies speak up for the LGBTQ community.

   As a man, how can I be a good ally to women in the struggle for gender equality?

-ally

²

1. an adverbial suffix attached to certain adjectives with stems in -ic that have no forms ending in -ical: terrifically.

ally

verb

1. to unite or be united, esp formally, as by treaty, confederation, or marriage
2. tr; usually passive to connect or be related, as through being similar or compatible

noun

1. a country, person, or group allied with another
2. a plant, animal, substance, etc, closely related to another in characteristics or form

Other Words From

• al·li·a·ble adjective
• pre·al·ly noun plural preallies
• pre·al·ly verb preallied preallying

Word History and Origins

Origin of ally¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English alien, from Anglo-French alal(l)ierier, aillaier, Old French alier, from Latin alligāre “to bind to”; alloy

Origin of ally²

-al ¹ + -ly

Word History and Origins

Origin of ally¹

C14: from Old French alier to join, from Latin alligāre to bind to, from ligāre to bind

Example Sentences

But Ally knows better and dresses tastefully for her age and body type now.

From The Daily Beast

We are not "equal" and you are not an ally if this is the childish base of your notions.

From The Daily Beast

In many ways, the behavior of the male “ally” demonstrates how far we have to go in the tech industry.

From The Daily Beast

But on closer inspection, Wadhwa is still early in his journey to becoming a real ally.

From The Daily Beast

Whilst Whitacre never defined himself as an “ally,” this remains a cautionary tale of what not to do.

From The Daily Beast

It was of course obvious that France, the traditional ally of Sweden, dominated Europe.

From Project Gutenberg

At last the lascar rose and floundered through the mud toward the village, but he was careful to leave an ally to watch the boats.

From Project Gutenberg

Thenceforth he was always a reliable ally of the Spaniards against Moro incursions.

From Project Gutenberg

In Nicholas Rubinstein he found a powerful friend and ally, who supported his enterprise for twenty years with unfailing energy.

From Project Gutenberg

To be called Thomas was gratifying, but the Mr. was quite overpowering and made Tom her ally at once.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• associate
• colleague
• friend
• partner