Agreement: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in a broad sense to indicate mutual consent between two or more parties on a specific matter. Can be formal or informal.

• We reached an agreement on the project deadlines.
• There is an agreement among the team members to work extra hours.

Specifically used for legally binding written agreements between parties that detail the terms and conditions of their relationship.

• She signed an employment contract for her new job.
• The construction company was given a contract to build the new bridge.

Generally informal and often used in business or commercial contexts to indicate an agreement to carry out a transaction or arrangement.

• They made a deal to sell the car for $5,000.
• Our company closed a big deal with the overseas client.

Often used in more formal or diplomatic contexts, suggesting harmony or mutual understanding reached after negotiations.

• The two countries signed a peace accord to end the conflict.
• The leaders reached an accord on environmental policies.

Used when two or more parties have reached a mutual understanding or decision. Common in legal, business, and everyday contexts.

• They finally reached an agreement on the terms of the contract.
• Our neighbor's barking dog was annoying, but we came to an agreement that they would keep it inside at night.

Used to describe a state where different elements or people exist together without conflict, often in a more general or ideal sense. It can refer to social, artistic, or natural contexts.

• The community lived in harmony with nature, respecting the local wildlife and land.
• Their voices blended in perfect harmony during the choir performance.

Used when a general agreement has been reached by a group, often implying that the agreement is collective and inclusive. Common in organizational and political settings.

• After hours of discussion, the committee reached a consensus on the new policy.
• There is a broad consensus that education should be prioritized in the national budget.

Typically used in formal or academic contexts to express simultaneous agreement or alignment in thought or opinion.

• There was a remarkable concurrence among scientists on the effects of climate change.
• Her concurrence with the board's decision was crucial for moving forward with the project.

Used when two or more parties reach a common understanding or decision. It's often used in legal or formal discussions.

• They signed an agreement to end the dispute.
• Both parties came to an agreement after many hours of negotiation.

Refers to the state of being consistent in actions, behavior, or qualities over time. It is often used in discussions about processes, performance, or quality.

• Her consistency in the quality of work is admirable.
• There's a lack of consistency in the data.

Used to describe a state of harmony and agreement, especially in terms of relationships or social settings.

• The conference was held in an atmosphere of concord.
• There was a notable sense of concord among the team members.

Used to describe a relationship or connection between things, often in terms of communication or matching elements.

• There was a clear correspondence between their findings and previous research.
• We have been in correspondence for over a year.

Use 'agreement' when two or more parties reach a mutual decision or share the same opinion.

• They reached an agreement on the terms of the contract.
• The company and the union are in agreement about the new working conditions.

Use 'consensus' when referring to a general agreement or collective opinion within a group, often after discussion.

• The committee reached a consensus on the new policy.
• There is a broad consensus among scientists about climate change.

Use 'accord' in formal contexts, especially in legal, political, or international relations, where an official agreement or treaty is concluded.

• The two countries signed a peace accord.
• An accord was reached between the environmental organization and the government.

Use 'harmony' when describing a peaceful and cooperative relationship free of conflict, often used in contexts related to social or interpersonal relationships.

• The family lived in harmony with each other.
• The team worked in harmony to complete the project.