What does coalitional mean?
Coalitional is a formal adjective relating to a coalition, especially an alliance among political parties or competing groups. It is particularly common in discussions of governments, parties, parliamentary arrangements, and electoral politics. A coalitional government, for example, is one formed when two or more parties agree to work together rather than govern independently. The term can also suggest that political behavior is shaped by the need to maintain cooperation among allies. In general use, it is less common than the noun coalition and is often more precise: coalition names the alliance itself, while coalitional characterizes its nature, politics, or associated arrangements. Because it is somewhat uncommon, coalitional usually sounds technical or analytical rather than conversational. Its clearest use is in institutional and political writing where the emphasis is not merely on an alliance but on the structures and practices associated with one.
adjectiveOf or relating to a coalition. It describes arrangements, organizations, or political dynamics involving cooperation among distinct parties or groups.
- Of or relating to a coalition, especially an alliance among political parties or groups.
"The election produced a coalitional government capable of securing a narrow majority."
"The election produced a coalitional government capable of securing a narrow majority."
"Her study examined the coalitional politics of the fragmented parliament."
Coalitional has a diplomatic pedigree: it ultimately derives from the Latin verb coalire, meaning “to unite.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does coalitional come from?
Coalitional was formed in English by adding the adjectival suffix -al to coalition. Coalition entered English through French from Medieval Latin, ultimately deriving from the Latin verb coalire, meaning “to unite” or “grow together.” Its specialized political use reflects the development of coalition governments and the terminology surrounding multiparty parliamentary arrangements.
How coalitional is actually used
This is a relatively uncommon and formal term, used most often in political contexts. It commonly appears attributively before nouns such as government, party, and politics.
Easily confused with coalitional
A coalition is the alliance or agreement itself, whereas coalitional is an adjective relating to such an alliance or its politics.