a person, group, or country that supports and works with another toward a shared goal, especially in times of difficulty or conflict
During World War II, the United States was an important ally of the United Kingdom.
When the shy student spoke, her best friend acted as an ally and encouraged the class to listen.
✦ From Old French "alié" (related, connected) and Latin "alligare" meaning “to bind to.”
a person who actively supports and stands up for a marginalized group they are not a member of
Although he is not LGBTQ+, Jake proudly calls himself an ally and marches in pride parades.
The organization offered workshops to teach employees how to be an ally to people with disabilities.
✦ Extended social-justice sense developed in the late 20th century from the older political meaning of ally.
to join or connect yourself or someone else with another person, group, or country for support
Several small nations decided to ally with a larger power for protection.
To pass the new law, the senator allied herself with environmental groups.
✦ Verb sense from Old French "alier" and Latin "alligare" meaning “to bind to or tie.”
used to show strong agreement, enthusiasm, or affirmation
“Do you want to go surfing this weekend?” “Totally!”
“That concert was amazing.” “Totally—best night ever!”
✦ Extension of the adverb sense to an affirmative interjection, popularized in American English from the 1980s.
the art, craft, and academic study of writing, producing, and acting in live dramatic performances
She majored in theater at college and hopes to direct someday.
Theater has been his passion since childhood puppet shows.
✦ Same origin as Sense 1.
at the beginning; at first, before later changes or developments
Initially, the puppy was shy, but soon it started playing with everyone.
The new software seemed complicated initially, yet the engineers quickly mastered it.
✦ From Latin initium meaning “a beginning”, plus the adverbial suffix ‑ly, entering English in the 17th century to describe the earliest stage of an event or process.
in a way that is not artificial or forced; according to nature or normal processes
The actors moved naturally on stage, making the scene believable.
Babies learn to grasp objects naturally without formal teaching.
