ally
[ verb uh-lahy; noun al-ahy, uh-lahy ]
/ verb əˈlaɪ; noun ˈæl aɪ, əˈlaɪ /
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verb (used with object), al·lied, al·ly·ing.
to unite formally, as by treaty, league, marriage, or the like (usually followed by with or to): Russia allied itself to France.
to associate or connect by some mutual relationship, as resemblance or friendship.
verb (used without object), al·lied, al·ly·ing.
noun, plural al·lies.
OTHER WORDS FOR ally
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Origin of ally
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English alien, from Anglo-French alal(l)ierier, aillaier, Old French alier, from Latin alligāre “to bind to”; see alloy
OTHER WORDS FROM ally
al·li·a·ble, adjectivepre·al·ly, noun, plural pre·al·lies.pre·al·ly, verb, pre·al·lied, pre·al·ly·ing.Other definitions for ally (2 of 2)
-ally
an adverbial suffix attached to certain adjectives with stems in -ic that have no forms ending in -ical: terrifically.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use ally in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for ally
ally
verb (əˈlaɪ) -lies, -lying or -lied (usually foll by to or with)
to unite or be united, esp formally, as by treaty, confederation, or marriage
(tr; usually passive) to connect or be related, as through being similar or compatible
noun (ˈælaɪ, əˈlaɪ) plural -lies
a country, person, or group allied with another
a plant, animal, substance, etc, closely related to another in characteristics or form
Word Origin for ally
C14: from Old French alier to join, from Latin alligāre to bind to, from ligāre to bind
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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