allier

to combine, to ally

verb ah-lee-EH Rare

Also means

to reconcile (two things)

Usage Note

Allier is used when joining two qualities or groups that might seem at odds: allier la force et la douceur ('to combine strength and gentleness'). The reflexive s'allier means 'to ally oneself' or 'to team up.' The related noun allié(e) means 'ally,' and the adjective allié is common in historical and political writing.

Examples

"Il faut allier efficacité et créativité."

Natural Translation

You have to combine efficiency and creativity.

Free starter pack

Building your French vocabulary?

Get the 100 most common French words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.

Related Words

Explore French by topic

FrenchNow

The Bonjour Rule: French Etiquette for Visitors

Always say bonjour before you ask, order, or pay in France — the unspoken rule that opens every door. A respectful visitor's guide to French etiquette.

June 4, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

Tu vs Vous: When to Use Each in French

Tu vs vous in French: use tu for one friend, family, or child, and vous for strangers, elders, your boss, and any group. A clear etiquette guide.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

Aller + Infinitive: The Easy French Future

Form the French near future in seconds: conjugate aller in the present and add an infinitive. Learn futur proche rules, negation, pronouns, and when to use it.

June 4, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

Avoir or Être? Picking the Right Past-Tense Helper

Use avoir for the passé composé unless the verb is reflexive or one of ~16 DR MRS VANDERTRAMP motion verbs, which take être and force agreement.

June 4, 2026 5 min read