aliance

Aliance is a term most often encountered as an archaic or nonstandard spelling of alliance. In standard modern English, the noun is alliance. An alliance is a union or association formed for mutual benefit or to pursue a common objective. Such arrangements can be formal treaties between states, businesses, or organizations, or looser coalitions based on shared interests.

Etymology: The word derives from Old French alliance, and ultimately from Latin alligare, meaning to bind or fasten.

Usage: In international relations, alliances are formal agreements between two or more states to cooperate on security, defense, or foreign policy. In business and technology, strategic alliances allow firms to share resources, technology, or markets while remaining independent. Alliances also occur in political movements, cultural groups, and sports coalitions.

Variations and spelling: The spelling aliance appears in some historical documents and is generally considered archaic or nonstandard today. Modern usage overwhelmingly prefers alliance.

See also: Related concepts include military alliance, strategic alliance, coalition, federation, and confederation.