solidarity
sah-lih-DAIR-uh-tee
/ˌsɑː.lɪˈdær.ə.ti/
Unity or mutual agreement of feeling or action among individuals with a common interest or purpose.
Stresses shared ethical commitment and mutual support, especially during struggle or hardship.
The story behind the word. Borrowed from French 'solidarité', which traces to Roman legal concept 'in solidum'—where members of a group had total joint liability for a whole debt, binding them completely together.
Word relationships
- unity: Unity means general state of oneness; solidarity specifically emphasizes shared struggle and mutual aid.
- discord: Discord refers to disagreement, friction, or hostility between people.
Commonly confused with
- solitude: Solitude means being alone; solidarity means standing strongly united with others.
Word family
- solid (adjective): Firm and stable in shape or structure.
- solidify (verb): To make or become solid or united.
Collocations
- in solidarity with
- express solidarity
- show solidarity
- global solidarity
Idioms & expressions
- stand shoulder to shoulder
Example sentences
- "Factory workers across neighboring towns went on strike in solidarity with the laid-off miners." Labor union protest
- "Citizens gathered outside the embassy to express solidarity with peaceful pro-democracy protesters." International relations
Memory hook
SOLIDarity makes a group's bond as SOLID as a rock. Standing firmly united.
When not to use
Do not use to describe mere passive agreement without emotional or practical unity.
Fun facts
- Solidarność ('Solidarity') was the famous Polish trade union that helped bring down communist rule in Eastern Europe.
Related words
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