Solidarity

Definition

Solidarity is the act or state of unity or agreement among individuals with a common interest or purpose, usually for mutual support within a group or community.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌsɑlɪˈdærɪti/
• Respelling: SOL-i-DAR-i-tee (with "SOL" as in "solar," "i" as a quick, soft sound like the 'i' in "bit," "DAR" as in "darling," and "i-tee" as in "city")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌsɒlɪˈdærɪti/
• Respelling: SOL-i-DAR-i-tee (similar to American English, with "SOL" as in "solar," "i" like in "bit," "DAR" like in "darling," and "i-tee" as in "city")

In both dialects, "solidarity" is pronounced with the primary stress on the third syllable, "DAR." The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, accurately reflecting the word's structure and emphasis.

Etymology

The term "solidarity" originates from the French word "solidarité" which is derived from the Latin "solidus" which means solid or whole. The concept is rooted in the idea of a shared, common bond among individuals or groups.

Derivatives

• Solidaristic
• Solidarize
• Solidarism
• Solidarily
• Solidarist

Synonyms

• Unity
• Support
• Cohesion

Antonyms

• Division
• Discord
• Disunity

Usage

Solidarity is often used in political, social, and labor contexts to describe a bond of unity between individuals united by shared goals or common interests. It is a foundational concept in many social movements and labor unions, advocating for the support and unity among members to achieve common goals.

Related Terms

• Alliance
• Coalition
• Brotherhood
• Comradeship
• Teamwork

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Unity of Purpose: Solidarity represents a unity or agreement of feeling or action, especially among individuals with a common interest; mutual support within a group.
• Example: The solidarity among the workers made the strike more effective.

• Social Cohesion: A social principle based on fostering unity and mutual support among members of a community or group.
• Example: The community displayed a strong sense of solidarity in helping each other after the natural disaster.

• Political or Social Unity: A political or social ideology advocating for the unity and mutual support among different groups or communities to achieve shared objectives.
• Example: The movement emphasized the importance of solidarity across different social and ethnic groups to fight injustice.