Definition

1. Noun:

   • (Sports) An exchange of shots: In sports like tennis or table tennis, a "rally" is a series of consecutive shots played between opponents before a point is won or lost.
   • A marked recovery: A "rally" is a recovery of strength, spirits, or value after a period of weakness or decline.
   • A large public gathering: A "rally" is a mass meeting of people intended to inspire enthusiasm, support, or protest for a common cause.
   • A feat of renewed effort: The act of mustering strength or resources for a renewed effort.

2. Verb:

   • To recover or improve: To return to a better state, such as recovering from an illness or a decline in financial markets.
   • To bring or come together: To assemble or summon people, support, or resources for a common purpose.
   • To tease or ridicule: To subject someone to good-natured or persistent teasing or criticism.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The tennis match featured a long rally with incredible shots from both players.
  • There was a sudden rally in the patient's condition overnight.
  • Thousands attended the political rally in the city square.

• Verb:

  • After a slow start, the team rallied in the second half to win the game.
  • The community rallied to support the family after the fire.
  • His friends would always rally him about his unusual fashion sense.

Advanced Usage

• "Rally around": To unite in support of a person, group, or cause.
  • The staff rallied around their manager during the difficult transition.
• "Rallying cry": A slogan or phrase used to unite people in a common effort.
  • "Liberty or death!" became the rallying cry of the revolution.

Variants and Related Words

• Rallying (adj/n): Serving to unite or inspire; the act of coming together.
  • His speech had a rallying effect on the crowd.
• Rallycross (n): A form of motorsport held on mixed surfaces.

Synonyms

• Noun: Recovery, resurgence, gathering, demonstration, upturn.
• Verb: Recover, rebound, assemble, muster, tease.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Rally round (also rally around): To come together to help or support someone.
  • When she fell ill, her neighbors all rallied round to help with the chores.

Related Idioms

• "Stage a rally": To organize or make a recovery.
  • The home team staged a remarkable rally in the final minutes.

Noun

1. (sports) an unbroken sequence of several successive strokes
   • after a short rally Connors won the point
2. an automobile race run over public roads
3. a marked recovery of strength or spirits during an illness
4. the feat of mustering strength for a renewed effort
   • he singled to start a rally in the 9th inning
   • he feared the rallying of their troops for a counterattack
5. a large gathering of people intended to arouse enthusiasm

Verb

1. harass with persistent criticism or carping
   • The children teased the new teacher
   • Don't ride me so hard over my failure
   • His fellow workers razzed him when he wore a jacket and tie
2. return to a former condition
   • The jilted lover soon rallied and found new friends
   • The stock market rallied
3. gather or bring together
   • muster the courage to do something
   • she rallied her intellect
   • Summon all your courage
4. call to arms; of military personnel
5. gather
   • drum up support