ally

The definition of ally is to join another in a mutually beneficial relationship.

(verb)

An example of ally is a couple who gets married.

Ally is defined as an individual, country or organization that unites with another.

(noun)

An example of an ally is Britain to the US in World War II.

In the field of biology, ally is defined as two things that have an evolutionary relationship.

(noun)

An example of a vegetable that is an ally is cabbage as compared to Brussel sprouts.

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See ally in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb allied, allying

  1. to unite or associate for a specific purpose, as families by marriage, nations by treaty, or companies by agreement: generally used reflexively or in the passive
  2. to relate by similarity of structure, certain qualities, etc.: usually in the passive: the onion is allied to the lily

Origin: ME alien < OFr alier < L alligare < ad-, to + ligare, to bind: see ligature

intransitive verb

to become allied

noun pl. allies

  1. a country, person, or group joined with another or others for a common purpose
  2. a plant, animal, or thing closely related in structure, etc. to another
  3. an associate; helper; auxiliary

See ally in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb al·lied, al·ly·ing, al·lies
verb, transitive
  1. To place in a friendly association, as by treaty: Italy allied itself with Germany during World War II.
  2. To unite or connect in a personal relationship, as in friendship or marriage.
verb, intransitive
To enter into an alliance: Several tribes allied to fend off the invaders.
noun pl. al·lies
  1. One that is allied with another, especially by treaty: entered the war as an ally of France.
  2. One in helpful association with another: legislators who are allies on most issues. See Synonyms at partner.
  3. Allies
    a. The nations allied against the Central Powers of Europe during World War I. They were Russia, France, Great Britain, and later many others, including the United States.
    b. The nations, primarily Great Britain, France, the Soviet Union, and the United States, allied against the Axis during World War II.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English allien

Origin: , from Old French alier

Origin: , from Latin alligāre, to bind to; see alloy

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