united

1. 1
   single wholeadjective

   Brought together so as to form a single entity or whole.

   After decades of division, a united Germany emerged in 1990.

   The merger left a single united company with offices in both cities.

   Similarunified, undivided, integrated

   Oppositedivided, separate, split, disunited

   Note

   When the point is people acting together rather than forming a whole, the word has moved to the joint-effort meaning.

2. 2
   brought togetherverb

   Simple past and past participle of unite, used as a verb for the act of joining together or of bringing others together.

   A common enemy united the rival clans for the first time.

   The treaty united several small states into one nation.

   UsageWorks with or without an object: united the clans, or the clans united; also united with and united against.

   Note

   In the passive, were united leaves the joining agent offstage, which is why it shades so easily into the adjective for 'joined as one'.

   After the war the clans united under a single leader.

   The two kingdoms were united by marriage.

3. 3
   adjective

   Acting together or in agreement, as separate people or groups who share one aim or view.

   Like rowers pulling their oars in the same rhythm to drive one boat.

   The opposition parties launched a united campaign against the new law.

   Neighbors took united action to block the proposed development.

   UsageCommon in a united front, a united effort and stand united against something.

   Similarjoint, combined, collective, concerted, common

   Oppositeseparate, individual

   Note

   Here the parties stay separate, and what they share is the action. A united effort or campaign does not merge its members into one body the way the 'single whole' meaning does. It lines them up behind one aim.

Showing meanings only. Show all 3