League

Definition

League is a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to an association or alliance of individuals or groups with a common purpose, or a division of sports teams competing against each other. It can also mean an old unit of distance, typically around three miles. As a verb, it means to unite or associate in a league or alliance.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /liːɡ/
• Respelling: LEEG

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /liːɡ/
• Respelling: LEEG

Etymology

The word "league" originates from the Old French "ligue," which comes from the Italian "lega," meaning "alliance," derived from the Latin "ligare," meaning "to bind." The term was first used in English in the late 14th century to describe a covenant or alliance.

Derivatives

• Leaguer (noun)
• League-wide (adjective)
• League-bound (adjective)
• Interleague (adjective)
• Superleague (noun)

Synonyms

• Alliance
• Association
• Confederation

Antonyms

• Disunion
• Division
• Separation

Usage

The term "league" is commonly used in contexts of sports, politics, and history. For example, "The soccer team advanced to the next league," or "Several nations formed a league to promote peace."

Related Terms

• Federation: A formal association of groups or states.
• Union: An act of joining together.
• Competition: The activity of competing against others.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• An association of individuals or groups with a common goal: Refers to alliances formed for mutual benefit.
  • Example: "The League of Nations was formed after World War I."
• A division of sports teams competing against one another: Describes organized competitions.
  • Example: "He plays in the premier league."
• An old unit of distance, approximately three miles: Refers to a historical measurement used in navigation and travel.
  • Example: "The village was about five leagues away."

Verb

• To unite or associate in a league or alliance: Refers to forming a partnership or coalition.
  • Example: "The tribes leagued together for mutual defense."