English vocabulary · B2
Allegiance
/əˈliː.dʒəns/ · n.
It means strong loyalty to a person, a group, or a cause.
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Example sentences
- The soldier swore allegiance to his country.
- She broke her allegiance when the leader lied to everyone.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- al — to (from Latin)
- lieg — bind (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- loyalty (devotion is personal and emotional)
- devotion (commitment comes from deep affection)
- commitment (pledging to a cause or group)
Words with the same root
lieg — bind
- liege — a lord to whom loyalty and service are owed
Lesson notes
Allegiance. It means strong loyalty to a person, a group, or a cause. It is the bond that keeps you on someone's side.
Similar words are loyalty, devotion, and commitment. Use allegiance when the bond is to a group or a cause.
The soldier swore allegiance to his country. She broke her allegiance when the leader lied to everyone.
From Latin. Al means to. Lieg means bind. To be bound — that strong tie is allegiance.