coalition
koh-uh-LISH-un
/ˌkoʊəˈlɪʃən/
A temporary alliance of distinct parties, persons, or states for joint action.
Often used in politics to describe multiple parties joining together to form a government.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'co-' (together) and 'alere' (to nourish/grow). It implies a group of separate entities that 'grow together' into a single functioning unit.
Word relationships
- alliance: Alliance is generally more formal and long-term than a coalition.
- bloc: Bloc refers to a group that acts as a unit, often in voting or trade.
- division: Division refers to the state of being separated or disagreed.
Commonly confused with
- federation: A coalition is a temporary partnership, whereas a federation is a permanent, legally unified state.
Word family
- coalesce (verb): To come together to form one mass or whole.
- coalescence (noun): The process of coming together.
Collocations
- ruling coalition
- broad coalition
- form a coalition
- coalition government
Example sentences
- "The minority party had to form a coalition with several smaller groups to pass the new budget." Politics
- "A broad coalition of environmental groups organized the protest against the new pipeline." Social Movements
Memory hook
A coalition is a 'collection' of groups growing together for a cause. Growing as one.
When not to use
Do not use for a permanent, single-entity union like a country.
Fun facts
- The root 'alere' is also found in 'adolescent' (one who is growing up) and 'alimony' (nourishment money).
Also appears in
- Relationships → Cooperation & Synergy
- Law → Advocacy & Legal Activism
- Political Science & Governance → Democratic Theory & Representation
- Political Science & Governance → Civil Society & Grassroots Movements
- Political Science & Governance → Pressure Groups & Lobbying
- Student Life & Schooling → Student Government & Elections
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