Solidarity

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1. Definition + Rich Everyday Explanation

Solidarity (noun) = unity and mutual support among people who share a common interest, goal, or struggle; the feeling of standing together as one group.

Imagine a group of workers facing unfair treatment. Individually, each one feels powerless. But when they stand together, refuse to back down, and support each other through difficult times, something powerful happens — they become a force. That shared commitment, that “we’re in this together” feeling, is solidarity.

Solidarity is more than just agreement or sympathy. It involves active support and unity. When you show solidarity with someone, you’re not just saying “I understand” — you’re saying “I’m with you, I’ll stand beside you, your struggle is my struggle.” It’s a commitment that often requires action, sacrifice, or at least visible public support.

The word carries strong political and social connotations. It appears constantly in discussions of labour movements, protests, civil rights, and social causes. When nurses go on strike, other healthcare workers might refuse to cross picket lines in solidarity. When one community faces injustice, people from other communities might march in solidarity with them.

But solidarity isn’t limited to political contexts. Families show solidarity when they present a united front during difficult times. Teammates show solidarity when they defend each other publicly. Communities show solidarity after disasters by coming together to help. The core meaning is always the same: standing together, supporting each other, refusing to let anyone face hardship alone.

Examples from the street:

• “Workers across the country walked out in solidarity with the striking teachers” → employees nationwide stopped work to support the protesting educators
• “She wore black in solidarity with the victims” → she dressed in dark colours to show visible support and shared grief
• “There’s a real sense of solidarity in this community after the flood” → people feel genuinely united and committed to helping each other recover

2. Most Common Patterns

• in solidarity with → acting to show support for a person or group
• show/express solidarity → demonstrate support and unity, often publicly
• a sense/feeling of solidarity → the emotional experience of being united with others
• solidarity among/between + group → unity within or across groups of people
• act of solidarity → a specific action taken to demonstrate support
• solidarity with + cause/group → alignment and support for a particular movement or people

3. Phrasal Verbs

Note: There are no common phrasal verbs directly containing “solidarity” — these are related expressions:

• stand with → support someone publicly, show solidarity
  Example: “Thousands gathered to stand with the refugees.”
• band together → unite as a group to achieve something or face a challenge
  Example: “The neighbours banded together to oppose the development.”
• stick together → remain united, especially during difficult times
  Example: “No matter what happens, this family sticks together.”

4. Example Sentences

1. Thousands of people marched in solidarity with the healthcare workers demanding better conditions
   → Huge crowds walked through the streets to support medical staff fighting for improved circumstances.
2. The team captain showed solidarity by publicly defending the player who had been criticised in the media
   → The squad leader demonstrated support by openly protecting the teammate who faced press attacks.
3. After the tragedy, there was an incredible sense of solidarity across the entire city
   → Following the disaster, people throughout the urban area felt remarkably united and connected.
4. The union called for solidarity among all workers, regardless of their department
   → The labour organisation urged unity across all employees, no matter which section they belonged to.
5. Wearing a ribbon was a simple act of solidarity with those affected by the disease
   → Displaying the badge was a small gesture of support for people suffering from the illness.
6. International organisations expressed solidarity with the country following the earthquake
   → Global bodies communicated their support for the nation after the seismic disaster.
7. The restaurant closed for a day in solidarity with the protestors
   → The eatery shut its doors temporarily to show support for the demonstrators.
8. Solidarity between the two communities has grown stronger after they faced the crisis together
   → Unity across both groups has deepened since they confronted the emergency side by side.
9. She appreciated the messages of solidarity she received after speaking out about discrimination
   → She valued the supportive communications people sent after she publicly addressed unfair treatment.
10. True solidarity means supporting others even when it costs you something
    → Genuine unity involves backing people even when doing so requires personal sacrifice.

5. Personal Examples

1. When one student is struggling with a difficult topic, I encourage the whole class to show solidarity by helping rather than competing
   → When a learner finds a subject challenging, I urge everyone to demonstrate support by assisting instead of trying to outdo each other.
2. There’s a wonderful sense of solidarity among language learners online — people share resources, encourage each other, and celebrate progress together
   → A beautiful feeling of unity exists among people studying languages on the internet — they exchange materials, motivate one another, and rejoice in achievements as a group.

6. Register: Neutral to Formal

✔ Native usage tips

• “In solidarity” is the phrase you’ll encounter most — it’s almost a fixed expression for showing public support
• The word has strong associations with labour movements, protests, and social justice — using it signals awareness of collective action
• On social media, people often post messages or change profile pictures “in solidarity with” various causes — the word has become part of online activism vocabulary
• Solidarity implies action or commitment, not just passive agreement — saying you feel solidarity suggests you’re prepared to do something

✔ Similar expressions / words

• Unity → broader and more general; solidarity specifically emphasises mutual support during struggle or challenge
• Support → can be individual and one-directional; solidarity implies collective, reciprocal commitment
• Camaraderie → warmer and more personal; solidarity often has a more political or public dimension