WordGarden.iounite
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /juːnˈaɪt/
US
- /ˈjuˌnaɪt/
Meanings
Verb
to bring people, groups, or countries together around a shared purpose or bond
to join separate things, qualities, or parts into a single whole
Beyond the definition
To unite means to bring people or things together as a whole—like puzzle pieces finally clicking into place. Think of countries uniting under a common flag after a long conflict, or friends uniting to support each other through tough times. It's more than just being near each other; it's about forming a strong connection and working toward a shared goal. You might unite with a teammate on a project, or see different cultures unite in celebration during an international festival. Sometimes, even ideas can unite to create something entirely new!
The word "unite" speaks to the powerful act of bringing separate entities together into a unified whole. It goes beyond a simple gathering; it implies a joining with purpose and, often, a sense of shared identity. For example, after years of division, two warring kingdoms might unite under a single ruler, creating a stronger, more resilient nation.
As a verb, "to unite" means to combine or merge. You can unite different ingredients in a recipe to create a delicious dish, or unite your efforts with colleagues to achieve a common objective at work. It's frequently used in contexts of cooperation and solidarity—think of labor unions uniting workers for better conditions, or communities uniting after a natural disaster to rebuild.
However, "unite" isn't limited to physical joining. Ideas can also unite; a compelling argument might unite diverse opinions around a single point. Even abstract concepts like love and compassion can unite people across boundaries of culture and belief.
Historically, the word comes from the Latin unire, meaning "to make one," which is rooted in unus (one). This origin highlights the core idea behind "unite": to overcome separation and create something stronger through connection. Whether it involves nations, individuals, ideas, or ingredients, when things unite, they truly become more than the sum of their parts.
Examples
- 1
School project
The project united students from five different schools.
- 2
Teamwork
A shared goal can unite a team.
- 3
Environmental action
Several local groups united to protect the river.
- Patternunite to do X
join together in order to do it
- 4
Rebuilding support
After the storm, the whole town united behind the rebuilding plan.
- Patternunite behind + person/plan
support together
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Political opposition
The two parties united against the proposal.
- Patternunite against + person/plan
join together to oppose it
- 6
Family reconciliation
The crisis united the family after years of silence.
- 7
Political agreement
It is one of the few issues that can unite voters across party lines.
- Phraseacross party lines
including people from different political groups
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- uniteverb
Forms
- unitedpast tenseverb
- uniting-ing formverb
- unitesverb