Coalition
koh-uh-LISH-un
/ˌkəʊ.əˈlɪʃ.ən/
A temporary alliance of distinct parties, factions, or nations for combined action.
Emphasizes temporary co-operation between separate entities that may otherwise disagree on other issues.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'coalescere', meaning 'to grow together'. It combines 'co-' (together) with 'alere' (to nourish), describing separate elements that grow into a single working body.
Word relationships
- alliance: Alliance can be permanent and formal, whereas coalition is often strategic and temporary.
- bloc: A bloc is a group with permanent shared goals, while a coalition forms around a specific objective.
- division: Division represents separation into conflicting groups.
- schism: Schism refers to a formal split or break within an organization.
Commonly confused with
- merger: A merger permanently combines entities, while a coalition retains separate identities.
Word family
- coalesce (verb): To come together to form one whole.
- coalitional (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of a coalition.
Collocations
- governing coalition
- build a coalition
- coalition partner
- fragile coalition
Idioms & expressions
- join forces
- strange bedfellows
Example sentences
- "The minor parties formed a ruling coalition to secure a parliamentary majority." Parliamentary politics
- "A coalition of environmental groups and labor unions demanded green energy investment." Environmental movement
Memory hook
CO (together) + ALITION (aligning) = aligning together for power. Growing together into a single force.
When not to use
Do not use for permanent mergers or unified single organizations.
Fun facts
- In many European parliaments, coalition governments are the norm rather than the exception.
Related words
Also appears in
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