Proper Pronunciation Guide
ally
[
æ lɑ͜i] noun
[ə `lɑ͜i] verb
Tips:
- When using this word as a noun, stress the first syllable pronouncing the initial letter “a” as the short vowel /æ/—like the vowel in the word “sat.”
- When using this word as a verb, pronounce the first syllable as the weak schwa vowel /ə/ and stress the second syllable.
- In both uses of the word pronounce the second syllable like the word “lie.”
Practice Sentences:
| Great Britain is an ally of the United States. | |
| John tried to make an ally of his former adversary. | |
| We tried to ally ourselves with the winning team. |
Definitions:
(noun) A supporter; a person or group united with another in a common cause.
(verb) To unite with; to form an alliance.
Notes:
Do not confuse this word with “allay” [əle͜i], which means to remove fear or doubt as in “He tried to allay our fears that we would be evicted from our home.” Also, do not confuse this word with the word “alley” [æ li], which is an informal road or passage way in the rear of houses, providing access to garages and backyards, or a lane in a bowling alley.