solidaire

Solidaire is a French adjective meaning united by a common purpose or mutual support. It describes people, actions, or institutions that participate in solidarity with others, often through mutual aid, shared responsibility, or collective effort. The term is closely linked to the noun solidarité, and it conveys a sense of responsibility that goes beyond individual interests.

In legal contexts, solidaire appears in phrases such as responsabilité solidaire (joint and several liability) or être solidairement responsables, indicating that multiple parties share accountability.

In public policy and civil society, solidaire is central to l’économie sociale et solidaire (ESS), the social and solidarity-based economy. ESS groups include cooperatives, mutual societies, associations, and foundations that pursue social utility, democratic governance, and reinvestment of surplus to social objectives rather than profit.

In everyday language, one speaks of une action solidaire, une entreprise solidaire, or être solidaire de quelqu'un, meaning to act in solidarity or to support someone. The term is also used in branding and organization names to signal commitment to mutual aid, equity, and community-focused action.

See also: solidarité; solidarité internationale; économie sociale et solidaire.