entente
on-TONT
/ɒnˈtɒnt/
A friendly understanding or informal alliance between states or factions.
Less formal than a treaty; it is an 'understanding' rather than a binding legal document.
The story behind the word. Borrowed from French, where it literally means 'understanding'. It entered English diplomacy to describe agreements that weren't quite formal treaties.
Word relationships
- accord: Accord is generally more formal and can be a written document.
- rapprochement: Rapprochement is the process of becoming friendly again, while entente is the state of understanding.
- hostility: Hostility is the state of being unfriendly or an enemy.
Commonly confused with
- treaty: A treaty is a formal legal document; an entente is an informal diplomatic understanding.
Word family
- ententes (noun): Plural form of entente.
Collocations
- triple entente
- fragile entente
- cordial entente
- maintain an entente
Example sentences
- "The Entente Cordiale was a series of agreements signed in 1904 between the United Kingdom and France." History
- "The two nations maintained a fragile entente despite their differing views on trade policy." Diplomacy
Memory hook
An entente is an 'intent' to understand each other without a formal contract. Friendly understanding.
When not to use
Do not use for a strictly legal or commercial contract.
Fun facts
- The 'Triple Entente' of 1907 linked the Russian Empire, the French Third Republic, and the United Kingdom.
Related words
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