confederation
Translation
confederation, alliance, federation
Examples
Several states formed a confederation for defense.
Several states formed a confederation for defence.
The trade union is a confederation of smaller groups.
The trade union is a confederation of smaller groups.
Grammar Patterns
a confederation of ((sth.)) an organisation consisting of countries, businesses, etc. The organization is a loose confederation of charities.
Similar Words
Synonyms: alliance, league, coalition
Etymology
From Latin 'con-' (together) + 'foederatio' (a league), from 'foedus' (covenant, league). Literally 'a league together'.
Memory Tips
Think 'con-' (with) + 'federation'. It's a group of states or organisations joined together, where each part keeps some independence.