Rally round is a phrase that means to come together to support someone or something during a difficult time. The spelling of "rally round" follows the English pronunciation and spelling rules. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /ˈræli raʊnd/. The stress is on the first syllable "rally" with the vowel sound of /æ/ as in "bat." The second syllable "round" is pronounced with the long vowel sound of /aʊ/ as in "cow," and the stress is on the second syllable.
The phrase "rally round" refers to a collective act of support or unity towards a person, cause, or idea, particularly during times of difficulty, crisis, or controversy. It entails the act of coming together, often as a group, to provide encouragement, assistance, or solidarity to someone or something that is in need.
When individuals or communities rally round, they join forces and express their support through various means, such as offering emotional or financial support, providing resources, or taking part in organized actions. This can manifest in actions like attending rallies, protests, or events, engaging in fundraising activities, or simply expressing empathy and understanding.
The idea behind rallying round is to create a sense of unity and strength, showing that a common cause or individual is not alone and that they have the backing and solidarity of others. It promotes a sense of belonging, where people come together with shared values or goals.
Rallying round can occur within different contexts, ranging from personal relationships and social movements to political campaigns or national crises. It often embodies the idea of standing up for what one believes in, joining others to create a collective voice or force. Overall, rallying round serves as a demonstration of support and solidarity, bringing people together to make a positive impact or provide comfort and assistance where needed.
The phrase "rally round" originated from two separate words: "rally" and "round".
The term "rally" has its roots in the Old French word "ralier", which means "to bring together, unite". It later entered the English language in the 16th century and developed the meaning of "to come together for a common purpose, to revive, or to recover from a setback".
On the other hand, "round" derives from the Old English word "rund" or "gyrund", which means "a circular object or a circular movement". Over time, it acquired additional meanings such as "to encircle or surround".
When combined, the phrase "rally round" implies the act of coming together as a group or community, forming a circle or united front, especially during challenging times. It signifies offering support, solidarity, and encouragement to someone or a cause.