binding
BYN-ding
/ˈbaɪndɪŋ/
Involving an obligation that cannot be broken; legally requiring someone to do something.
In international law, a 'legally binding' agreement means that countries can face consequences or formal disputes if they fail to comply.
The story behind the word. From the Germanic root for 'to tie' or 'to fasten.' It moved from the physical act of tying someone up to the legal act of 'tying' them to their word.
Word relationships
- obligatory: Obligatory means you must do it; binding means you are legally tied to doing it.
- mandatory: Mandatory is often used for rules set by an authority; binding is used for agreements between parties.
- non-binding: Not legally requiring someone to follow through.
- optional: Available to be chosen but not required.
Commonly confused with
- compulsory: Compulsory means required by law or a rule (like school); binding means tied to a specific agreement.
Word family
- bind (verb): To tie or fasten tightly.
Collocations
- legally binding
- binding agreement
- binding arbitration
- non-binding
Example sentences
- "While the overall Paris Agreement is a legally binding treaty, many of its individual provisions are not binding but rather aspirational." Legal commentary on the Paris Agreement.
- "Once both parties sign the contract, it becomes a binding document." Contract law.
Memory hook
A 'Binding' agreement 'Binds' your hands so you can't walk away from your promise. Tied to your word.
When not to use
Don't use for physical objects unless you are talking about bookbinding.
Fun facts
- The term 'binding' is also used in cooking to describe an ingredient (like an egg) that holds a mixture together.
Related words
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