coalition
UK[ˌkəʊəˈlɪʃ(ə)n]US[ˌkoʊəˈlɪʃ(ə)n]
n
a temporary alliance for combined action, especially of political parties forming a government.
n
the action or process of forming such an alliance.
Morpheme Breakdown
co
alit
ion
co
together
alit
to grow, nourish
ion
act or state
Etymology
the word 'coalition' entered english in the early 17th century from medieval latin 'coalition-', from the verb 'coalescere', meaning 'to grow together' or 'to unite'. this latin verb itself is a compound of 'co-' (together) and 'alescere' (to grow up, nourish), a derivative of 'alere' (to nourish). the core semantic journey is from the literal biological concept of separate entities growing together into a single unit, to the modern political and social concept of distinct groups temporarily uniting for a common purpose. the abstract meaning retains the original logic of a union formed for mutual growth or strength.
Analysis
Structure: co (together) + alit (to grow, nourish) + ion (act or state)
co- (prefix, latin origin, meaning 'together'); -alit- (root, from latin 'alescere' meaning 'to grow, nourish'); -ion (suffix, latin origin, forming nouns denoting action or state).
Examples
the two parties formed a coalition to gain a majority in parliament.
a broad coalition of community groups opposed the new development.
the coalition government faced its first major test in the upcoming vote.