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coalition

koh-uh-LISH-uhn /ˌkəʊəˈlɪʃn/

nounB2GREIELTSTOEFLUPSC

formalpoliticalbusiness

A temporary alliance of distinct political parties, nations, or groups formed for combined action.

Implies cooperation among independent entities who may disagree on other issues but unite for a specific political goal.

The story behind the word. From Latin coalescere, meaning 'to grow together' or 'nourish together'. Originally used in anatomy to describe bones or tissue fusing, by the 18th century, British politicians began calling political alliances 'coalitions' when factions joined forces.

Word relationships

alliance: 'Alliance' is broader and can be military or long-term, while 'coalition' is typically political or pragmatic and short-term.
bloc: 'Bloc' refers to a group acting together continuously, whereas 'coalition' emphasizes temporary union for power.

opposition: The opposition represents rival political factions acting against the ruling alliance.

Commonly confused with

collision: 'Collision' means a crash or impact; 'coalition' means coming together in agreement.

Word family

coalesce (verb): To come together to form one mass or whole.

Collocations

coalition government
form a coalition
coalition partner
ruling coalition

Example sentences

"After no party won an outright majority, two rival political parties agreed to form a governing coalition." Parliamentary governance
"An international coalition of nations came together to negotiate the binding climate treaty." International treaty negotiations

Memory hook

CO (together) + ALITION (ally) = Growing together into an alliance! Pact formed to hold power.

When not to use

Do not use to describe a single unified organization or permanent corporate merger.

Fun facts

In parliamentary democracies like Germany or New Zealand, coalition governments are the standard norm rather than an exception!