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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Union: Definition, Usage & Common Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：uniting (union)

union 🔊

/ˈjuːnjən/

the act of joining things or people together to make one whole thing.

Union concept illustration: two hands clasping together symbolizing unity and connection.

uniting 🔊

➕

/juːˈnaɪtɪŋ/

The act, state, or process of joining two or more separate things into a single entity.

📁 Category：Culture & History 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'unus' (one) + '-ion' (noun suffix). Literally, the state of being made one.

💡 Mnemonic

UNION sounds like 'ONION' layers fused into ONE whole vegetable, symbolizing things joined together.

📖 Example

The union of different musical styles in her latest album created a uniquely beautiful sound. 🔊 The blending of various musical genres in her new album produced a distinctively pleasing auditory experience.

🔗 Collocations

in perfect union – in complete harmony or agreement

form a union – to create a combined entity or alliance

economic union – an agreement between countries to coordinate economic policies

🔄 Synonyms

unification (n.) – The process of being united or made into a whole.

merger (n.) – A combination of two or more things, especially companies, into one.

fusion (n.) – The process or result of joining two or more things together to form a single entity.

🚫 Antonyms

division (n.) – The action of separating something into parts or the state of being divided.

separation (n.) – The action or state of moving or being moved apart.

disunion (n.) – A state of disagreement or lack of unity.

🌱 Derivatives

unify (v.) – To make or become united, uniform, or whole.

unitary (adj.) – Forming a single or uniform entity.

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from the Latin 'unio', meaning 'oneness' or 'unity'. Historically, it became a key term in politics and labor movements, especially during the 19th and 20th centuries, describing the act of people joining together for a common cause, such as forming trade unions.

Meaning 2：labor organization (union)

union 🔊

/ˈjuːnjən/

an organization where workers join together to protect their rights and interests at work.

Labor union representation: diverse group of workers united in front of workplace.

labor organization 🔊

➕

/ˈleɪbər ˌɔːrɡənaɪˈzeɪʃən/

An organized association of workers formed to protect and further their rights and interests.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The union at the car factory successfully negotiated for higher wages for all its members. 🔊 The workers' organization at the automobile plant effectively bargained for increased pay for every person it represents.

🔗 Collocations

trade union – an organized association of workers in a trade or profession

union representative – a person elected to speak for the members of a labor union

union dues – regular payments made by members to their labor union

🔄 Synonyms

labor union (n.) – An organized association of workers, often in a specific trade or industry.

syndicate (n.) – A group of individuals or organizations combined to promote a common interest.

guild (n.) – A medieval association of craftsmen or merchants; sometimes used for modern professional associations.

🌱 Derivatives

unionize (v.) – To organize or become organized into a labor union.

unionist (n.) – A member or supporter of a labor union.