liaisons
|li-a-sons|
🇺🇸
/liˈeɪ.zɑnz/
🇬🇧
/liˈeɪ.zɒnz/
(liaison)
connection or relationship
Etymology
'liaison' originates from French, specifically the word 'liaison', where 'lier' meant 'to bind'.
'liaison' entered English from French (Modern French 'liaison'); the ultimate root is Latin 'ligare' meaning 'to bind', passing through Old French forms related to 'lier' before becoming the modern French 'liaison' and then English 'liaison'.
Initially, it meant 'a tying or binding', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a connection or relationship', with further specializations such as a contact person and the phonetic linking in speech.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
persons or offices that maintain communication or cooperation between groups or organizations; contacts or intermediaries.
The company kept several liaisons with local government agencies to coordinate the project.
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Noun 2
romantic or sexual relationships, especially secret or illicit relationships (affairs).
He admitted to having had several liaisons while traveling overseas.
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Noun 3
in phonetics, the linking of a final consonant sound to the initial vowel of the following word (especially in French).
French liaisons often confuse learners because consonants that are normally silent become pronounced in liaisons.
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Last updated: 2026/01/11 10:15