Origin: Latin suffix -tion
Coalition has 6 different meanings across 2 categories:
the union of diverse things into one body or form or group; the growing together of parts
"The ancient roots grew into a single, sturdy tree as their branches and trunks formed a coalition."
A temporary group or union of organizations, usually formed for a particular advantage.
"The opposition parties formed a coalition to challenge the government's new tax laws."
In plain English: A coalition is when different groups join forces to work together toward a common goal.
"The political coalition won the election by uniting several smaller parties under one banner."
Usage: Use coalition to describe a temporary alliance of different groups or parties that join forces to achieve a specific common goal. It refers specifically to the collective entity itself rather than the act of joining together.
Ellipsis of Coalition of the Liberal Party and National Party (Liberal-National coalition)
"The new coalition's commitment to expanding coal mining projects has energized industrial regions across the country."
The Coalition of the Liberal Party and the National Party, emphasising its pro-coal policies.
The word entered English from the Middle French term coalition, which itself came from Medieval Latin. It originally referred to an alliance or union formed by joining together.