league
LEEG
/liːɡ/
A collection of people, countries, or groups that combine for a particular purpose, typically mutual protection or cooperation.
A very broad term that can apply to sports, politics, or informal groups.
The story behind the word. From the Old French 'ligue', which comes from the Italian 'liga', and ultimately from the Latin 'ligare' (to bind). Like 'alliance', it emphasizes the binding nature of the group.
Word relationships
- alliance: Alliance is often more formal and specifically military or political.
- federation: Federation is a more structured and legally unified organization.
- rivalry: Rivalry is competition for the same objective or for superiority in the same field.
Commonly confused with
- coalition: A league is often more permanent and organized around a shared identity; a coalition is a temporary tactical union.
Word family
- leagued (verb): Joined together in a league.
Collocations
- form a league
- join a league
- major league
- league of nations
Idioms & expressions
- in league with
Example sentences
- "The League of Nations was an international organization created after the First World War to provide a forum for resolving international disputes." History
- "The Premier League is the top level of the English football league system." Sports
Memory hook
A league is a 'link' between members bound by a shared purpose. Bound by purpose.
When not to use
Can sound slightly old-fashioned in modern diplomatic contexts compared to 'alliance' or 'bloc'.
Fun facts
- The term 'Ivy League' refers to a group of eight elite private research universities in the Northeastern United States.
Related words
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