solidarity
sol-ih-DARE-ih-tee
/ˌsɒl.ɪˈdær.ə.ti/
Unity or agreement of feeling or action, especially among individuals with a common interest; mutual support within a group.
Implies a 'we are all in this together' mentality, often in the face of opposition.
The story behind the word. From the French 'solidarité', based on 'solidaire' (interdependent). It comes from the Latin 'solidus', meaning 'whole' or 'solid'. It suggests a group that is as strong and unbreakable as a single solid object.
Word relationships
- unity: Unity is the state of being one; solidarity is the active support that creates that unity.
- discord: Discord is a lack of agreement or harmony, the opposite of solidarity.
Commonly confused with
- alliance: An alliance is a formal agreement between parties; solidarity is a shared feeling of support.
Word family
- solidarize (verb): To make common cause with.
Collocations
- show solidarity
- act in solidarity
- international solidarity
Example sentences
- "The factory workers went on strike in solidarity with their colleagues who had been fired." Labor movements
- "Show your solidarity by wearing a green ribbon today." Social activism
Memory hook
A 'solid' group has 'solidarity'. Solid as one.
When not to use
Not for individual support; it requires a group or collective feeling.
Fun facts
- Solidarność (Solidarity) was the name of the famous Polish trade union that helped end communist rule in Poland.
Explore more words
Also appears in
- Leadership → Collaboration & Teamwork
- Relationships → Friendship & Camaraderie
- Relationships → Inclusivity & Belonging
- Relationships → Community & Civic Duty
- Conflict → Alliances & Coalitions
- Political Science & Governance → Civil Society & Grassroots Movements
- Relationships → Neighbours & Community Living
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.