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treaty

TREE-tee /ˈtriːti/

nounB2TOEFLIELTS

formallegaldiplomatic

A formally concluded and ratified agreement between countries.

Implies a binding international agreement, usually in written form, that establishes rights and obligations between the parties involved.

The story behind the word. The word 'treaty' comes from the Old French 'traitié,' meaning 'negotiation' or 'agreement,' which itself derived from the Latin verb 'trahere,' meaning 'to draw' or 'to handle.' The idea is that parties 'draw up' or 'handle' an agreement. In English, it emerged in the 14th century to refer to a formal agreement between states, often following negotiations.

Word relationships

accord: A formal agreement, often used for less comprehensive or less formal international agreements than a treaty.
pact: A formal agreement, often implying a mutual promise or covenant, sometimes with military implications.
convention: A formal agreement, often multilateral, dealing with specific issues like human rights or environmental protection.

disagreement: A quarrel or dispute.
conflict: A serious disagreement or argument.
war: A state of armed conflict between different countries or different groups within a country.

Collocations

peace treaty
trade treaty
alliance treaty
sign a treaty
ratify a treaty
violate a treaty

Example sentences

"The peace treaty officially ended the decade-long war and established new borders between the warring nations." International law.
"Several countries signed a new environmental treaty aimed at reducing carbon emissions globally." Environmental policy.

Memory hook

Think of two countries trying to 'treat' each other fairly by making an official 'treaty'. Formal agreement

When not to use

Do not use for informal agreements or contracts between individuals or businesses. It specifically refers to agreements between sovereign states or international organizations.

Fun facts

The Treaty of Westphalia (1648) is often cited as the origin of the modern nation-state system, establishing principles of sovereignty and non-interference.