Definition
To unify is to make one out of many — to bring separate parts, groups, or ideas together into a single coherent whole that acts as a unit. From the Latin unus, 'one,' it implies more than gathering: the parts give up some of their separateness to form one body. A leader may unify a divided party; a theory may unify scattered observations. Unlike a loose alliance, what is unified is meant to hold and move together, its differences resolved into one shared shape.
Examples
- A common enemy can unify even the most fractious of allies.
- Einstein spent his last years trying to unify the forces of nature into one elegant theory.
- The redesign aimed to unify a dozen mismatched logos under a single look.
Collocations
unify the country·a unifying theme·unify the party·unify disparate elements·seek to unify
Synonyms
consolidate·merge·integrate·combine·coalesce
Antonyms
divide·fragment·split
Word family
unity (noun)·unified (adjective)·unification (noun)·unifier (noun)
In TOEFL & IELTS
A high-value verb for essays on politics, science, and design ('a unifying vision'). The participle unifying ('a unifying theme/force') is especially useful in Writing to label what holds an argument together. Distinguish unify (make into one) from unite (join in common purpose) — close, but unify stresses the single resulting whole. Note unification in historical contexts.