Accords: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to formal agreements or harmonious relations, especially in a diplomatic or business context. Typically implies mutual consent and agreement.

• The two countries reached several accords to improve trade and reduce tariffs.
• A series of accords were signed to ensure environmental protection in the region.

One of the most general terms; use it when referring to any kind of mutual arrangement or understanding, whether formal or informal.

• They came to an agreement on the terms of the contract.
• The agreement was reached after several hours of negotiation.

Use for formal, legally binding agreements between countries or international organizations, often after negotiations and usually requiring ratification.

• The nations signed a treaty to prohibit the use of nuclear weapons.
• A trade treaty was established to facilitate economic interactions between the two regions.

Use to describe formal agreements or promises between parties, often with a sense of solemnity. Can also be used informally but primarily in a formal context; occasionally has a strategic or alliance connotation.

• The peace pact was signed to officially end the war.
• The companies entered into a pact to share their research findings.

Use for formal, often written agreements between parties, usually related to states or large organizations. Implies a degree of commitment and formality.

• The interstate compact was created to manage water resources across state lines.
• This compact between the two organizations will ensure better cooperation on health initiatives.

In music, 'accords' is less commonly used but can describe harmonious sounds or chords in an older or poetic sense.

• The symphony's accords filled the hall with beauty.
• His fingers moved swiftly across the keys, producing sweet accords.

Used in music to describe the combination of different musical notes played or sung simultaneously to produce a pleasing effect.

• Their harmonies were so perfect, it brought tears to the audience's eyes.
• The band practiced their vocal harmonies for hours.

Used in a musical context to describe the simultaneous sounding of multiple notes to create harmony.

• She played a series of rich chords on the piano.
• The guitarist strummed the opening chords of the song.

Used to describe a sequence of musical notes that is musically satisfying, often serving as the main theme in a piece of music.

• The violinist played a beautiful melody.
• He hummed a familiar melody as he worked.

Often used in a musical context to describe sounds that are pleasing to the ear, typically referencing overtones or harmonics.

• The harmonic sounds of the choir echoed through the cathedral.
• He tuned the instrument to produce pure harmonic sounds.