union etymology

Etymology

The word "union" derives from the Old French term "union" (12th century), which is ultimately derived from the Latin word "unio" (unity).

Meaning

A union is a formal or informal association or organization of individuals or groups. It can refer to:

  • A physical or legal combination of two or more entities into one.
  • A unity or agreement of purpose or opinion among a group of people.
  • A labor organization representing workers in negotiations with employers.
  • A political or social alliance formed for a specific purpose or cause.

Origin

The Latin term "unio" has its roots in the Proto-Indo-European root h₁ew-, which means "to join." It is related to the words "universe," "uniform," and "unity."

Historical Usage

The concept of union has been used throughout history to describe various types of associations and organizations. In the Middle Ages, unions were formed to protect the rights of workers in guilds and other craft organizations. During the 19th and 20th centuries, labor unions gained prominence in industrialized countries as a means for workers to negotiate wages, benefits, and working conditions.

Today, the term "union" is commonly used to refer to:

  • Labor unions
  • Political alliances
  • International organizations, such as the European Union
  • Combinations of companies or businesses

union relate terms

  • disunion

    Etymology Dis prefix denoting separation or negation union Latin unio mean

  • union

    Etymology The word union derives from the Old French term union 12th century which

  • reunion

    Etymology French réunion Latin reunio from re again unio union Meaning

  • union

    Etymology The word union derives from the Old French term union 12th century which

  • separation

    Etymology The word separation originates from the Latin word separare which means t

  • marriage

    Etymology Old English marian noun Meaning to marry take a wife Proto Germanic

  • matrimony

    Etymology The word matrimony originates from the Latin word matrimonium which is for

  • annexation

    Etymology of Annexation The word annexation originates from the Latin term annectere

  • reconstruction

    Etymology Reconstruction derives from the Latin words re meaning again or back

  • ensemble

    Etymology French ensemble from Latin insieme meaning together From the prefix

  • communion

    Etymology The word communion comes from the Latin word communio which means sharin

  • merger

    Etymology The word merger is derived from the Middle English word mergen meaning t

  • bigamy

    Etymology The word bigamy is derived from the Latin words bi meaning two and ga

  • jointure

    Etymology French jointure Latin juncture a joining a connection Meaning A