treaty
TREE-tee
/ˈtriːti/
A formally concluded and ratified agreement between countries.
This is the most formal and legally binding type of international agreement.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Latin 'tractare', meaning 'to handle' or 'to treat'. A treaty is essentially a formal 'treatment' of a subject that has been negotiated and handled by diplomats.
Word relationships
- pact: Pact is slightly less formal and can be used for smaller groups.
- covenant: Covenant often has a religious or deeply moral connotation.
Commonly confused with
- accord: A treaty is always a formal legal document; an accord can be a less formal agreement.
Collocations
- sign a treaty
- ratify a treaty
- violate a treaty
- peace treaty
Example sentences
- "'Treaty' means an international agreement concluded between States in written form and governed by international law, whether embodied in a single instrument or in two or more related instruments and whatever its particular designation." Legal definition from the Vienna Convention. (Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, 1969)
- "The peace treaty was signed after years of conflict, establishing new borders and trade routes." Historical context.
Memory hook
A 'Treaty' is a 'Treatment' for a problem between nations. A formal handle on peace.
When not to use
Do not use for informal deals or contracts between individuals.
Fun facts
- The Treaty of Versailles, which ended WWI, is one of the most famous (and controversial) treaties in history.
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