league
/li:g/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- An obsolete unit of distance: A league is a historical unit for measuring distance, typically equal to about three miles (approximately 4.8 kilometers) on land.
- An association for common action: A league is a group of people, countries, teams, or organizations that have joined together for a shared purpose or common interest.
Verb:
- To unite in an alliance: To league means to form an alliance or association for mutual benefit or common action.
Usage Examples
Noun (Unit of distance):
- The old map indicated the town was just two leagues away.
- In the story, they traveled for many leagues across the desert.
Noun (Association):
- She plays in a local soccer league.
- Several nations formed a trade league to boost their economies.
Verb:
- The small villages leagued together for better protection.
- They leagued with other activists to promote the cause.
Advanced Usage
"To be in league with (someone)": To be secretly cooperating or conspiring with someone, often for a dishonest purpose.
- The corrupt official was found to be in league with the smugglers.
"Out of one's league": Used informally to describe something or someone that is beyond one's level of ability, social status, or experience.
- He realized the prestigious university was out of his league academically.
Variants and Related Words
- Leaguer (noun): A member of a league.
- He was a dedicated leaguer in the bowling association.
Synonyms
- Alliance: A union or association formed for mutual benefit.
- Confederation: An organization of several groups united in an alliance.
- Federation: A group of states or organizations with a central authority.
- Union: The action of joining together.
Related Phrasal Verbs / Phrases
- League together: To join with others to form a group for a common purpose.
- The community leagued together to rebuild after the storm.
Related Idioms
- In a different league: Significantly better or of a much higher standard than someone or something else.
- As a pianist, she's in a different league from the other contestants.
Noun
- an obsolete unit of distance of variable length (usually 3 miles)
- an association of states or organizations or individuals for common action
- an association of sports teams that organizes matches for its members
Verb
- unite to form a league