What does solidarity mean?
Solidarity means unity, shared purpose, and mutual support, especially among people who believe in a common cause or face the same difficulties. It is frequently used in political and social contexts, as in expressions of solidarity with workers, victims of disaster, or an international group. The word can describe a collective attitude, such as deciding to stand together rather than act separately, and it may also refer to the cohesion that binds a community or organization. Although solidarity is often associated with formal public statements and organized social movements, it can apply to quiet acts of mutual encouragement. In everyday conversation, the phrase “in solidarity with” signals support for someone facing adversity. The word is useful because it distinguishes genuine collective responsibility from a situation in which people merely share the same opinion without acting together.
nounUnity or agreement based on shared interests, feelings, or responsibilities. Solidarity can refer to support for a person or group, especially in a difficult situation, or to a shared sense of belonging and collective purpose.
- Unity or mutual support based on shared interests, beliefs, or circumstances.
- A shared commitment to a common cause or group.
- The quality of being united or acting together, especially in support of others.
"The community showed remarkable solidarity in the aftermath of the storm."
"Workers from different departments came together in solidarity with their colleagues."
"The speech emphasized international solidarity in the face of economic hardship."
The plural is grammatically standard but uncommon; the singular is usually preferred when referring to a collective sense of unity.
"The organization has expressed its solidarities with communities around the world."
Solidarity is the social superpower that turns separate individuals into a community with a shared purpose.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of solidarity
The word entered English in the early nineteenth century from French solidarité. French in turn borrowed it from Latin soliditas, meaning firmness or solidity, which was derived from solidus, meaning solid or whole. The original sense of physical firmness developed through the idea of people or groups being united or “solid” with one another. Related English words such as solid, solidify, solidity, and consolidate preserve the same Latin root.
How solidarity is actually used
The word is commonly used in political, social, and workplace contexts. It often carries a positive, formal connotation and implies active support rather than merely agreement in principle.
Easily confused with solidarity
Solidity refers to firmness or the quality of being physically solid, while solidarity refers to unity, mutual support, or agreement among people.