ally
/ˈælaɪ/ (bre, ipa) · [ˈælaɪ] /ˈælaɪ/ (ame, ipa) · [əlˈaɪ] /ə-ˈlī ˈa-ˌlī/ (ame, mw)
ally — noun
- allysingular
- alliesplural
1. A country that joins with another for mutual protection and cooperation, especia
A country that joins with another for mutual protection and cooperation, especially during a time of war or military threat.
France remained a reliable ally of the United States throughout the Cold War.
After signing the mutual defence treaty, South Korea became a key ally in the region.
collocation: key ally
The two allies coordinated their naval patrols to keep the trade routes open.
After the invasion, the neighbouring countries became staunch allies of the democratic coalition.
When war broke out, Britain sent troops to defend its ally across the English Channel.
- partner
less military-specific, used for trade and diplomatic relations
- confederate
more formal and historical, often used for pre-modern alliances
- associate
less committed relationship, not a formal treaty
文法句型
ally + of + [country/group]
用法筆記
Often appears with adjectives like 'key,' 'staunch,' 'reliable,' or 'close.' The preposition 'of' introduces the country or group that benefits from the alliance.
常見錯誤
2. A person who gives help and backing to another in their personal life, career, o
A person who gives help and backing to another in their personal life, career, or political activity.
Senator Park relied on his closest ally to gather votes for the new bill.
collocation: closest ally
During the difficult divorce, Linh proved to be my most trusted ally.
The CEO's longtime ally defended her against accusations from the board members.
During the budget meeting, Professor Tanaka became Emre's strongest ally by publicly backing his clean energy proposal.
Yael knew she could count on Camille as an ally during the budget negotiations.
文法句型
ally + of/to + [person]
用法筆記
Common in political and workplace contexts. 'Political ally' is a very frequent collocation. Unlike sense 1 (countries), this sense refers to individuals.
常見錯誤
3. A person who is not part of a disadvantaged group but actively works to support
A person who is not part of a disadvantaged group but actively works to support that group's fight for fair treatment.
As a male ally, Daniel spoke up for equal parental leave policies at the company.
collocation: male ally
The Wanaka Community Centre trains allies to advocate for better wheelchair access at public buildings throughout the district.
Hyun considers himself an ally to indigenous communities fighting for land rights.
Straight allies marched beside their LGBTQ colleagues at the annual pride parade.
- advocate
stronger emphasis on speaking out publicly; can be a member of the group
- accomplice
informal; implies taking direct action, often in social justice contexts
文法句型
ally + to/of + [group]
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 2: this sense specifically describes a non-member supporting a marginalized group, not a personal supporter. Common with modifiers like 'straight,' 'male,' or 'white.'
常見錯誤
ally — verb
- allypresent simple I / you / we / they
- allies3rd person singular
- allying-ing form
- alliedpast simple
1. To join yourself or your group with another person or group to work together tow
To join yourself or your group with another person or group to work together towards a common goal — such as allying with another firm to win a big contract.
The duke allied himself with a powerful trading family through marriage.
grammar pattern: ally + oneself + with
Small restaurants allied themselves with local farmers to source fresh ingredients.
The general allied his remaining troops with the rebel forces to defeat the dictator.
Valentina allied herself with environmental groups to oppose the mining project.
文法句型
ally + oneself + with/to + [person/group]
用法筆記
Almost always used reflexively with 'oneself.' The direct object must be a reflexive pronoun; you cannot simply say 'X allied Y.' Frequently followed by 'with' or 'to.'
常見錯誤
2. To enter into a formal or informal partnership with another person, group, or co
To enter into a formal or informal partnership with another person, group, or country to pursue shared goals.
The two political parties allied to form a coalition government after the election.
grammar pattern: ally + to-infinitive (purpose)
Several tech startups allied with each other to share expensive research equipment.
During the drought, the neighbouring villages allied against the water company's price hike.
The three labour unions allied to negotiate better wages for all factory workers.
- join forces
more informal and action-oriented
- band together
informal; implies a close-knit group with a common purpose
- break away
to leave an existing partnership or alliance
文法句型
ally + with + [person/group]
用法筆記
No direct object required. Common patterns: 'ally with [someone]' and 'ally against [something].' Unlike sense 1, this does not use a reflexive pronoun.