bloc
BLOK
/blɒk/
A group of nations or people united by a common interest or goal, especially in politics.
Suggests a solid, unified front that acts as a single unit in voting or negotiations.
The story behind the word. Borrowed from French in the early 20th century, where it meant a 'lump' or 'solid mass'. It was first used to describe a group of political parties acting together.
Word relationships
- coalition: Coalition is often more temporary and less unified than a bloc.
- alignment: Alignment is a more general term for having similar interests.
- faction: A faction is a small, dissenting group within a larger one, rather than a unified whole.
Commonly confused with
- block: 'Bloc' is always political or economic; 'block' is physical or a verb meaning to obstruct.
Word family
- blocs (noun): Plural form of bloc.
Collocations
- trading bloc
- voting bloc
- political bloc
- power bloc
Example sentences
- "The Eastern Bloc consisted of the Soviet Union and its satellite states in Central and Eastern Europe." Cold War
- "The European Union is often described as a powerful trading bloc in the global market." Economics
Memory hook
A bloc is a solid 'block' of voters or nations standing together. One solid unit.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'block' (a physical object or an obstruction).
Fun facts
- The term 'bloc' became widely popular during the Cold War to describe the opposing sides.
Explore more words
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.