Contracts: meaning, definitions and examples

Suitable for formal and legal situations, especially in business, real estate, or employment where legal enforceability is essential.

• They signed the contracts to finalize the merger
• The company offers contracts for freelance workers

Used in formal and informal settings to indicate mutual understanding or acceptance between parties. It may or may not be legally binding.

• We reached an agreement on the project's next steps
• The two countries came to an agreement on trade tariffs

Appropriate for informal to semi-formal situations, often emphasizing a transaction or negotiation. It may also refer to bargains or business transactions.

• They closed a deal with the supplier for lower prices
• I got a good deal on my new car

Typically used in formal or semi-formal contexts, often referring to agreements between nations, organizations, or individuals that involve a commitment over time.

• The countries signed a non-aggression pact
• They made a pact to support each other in their studies

Use this word in a business or legal setting where a formal, legally binding document is created and signed between parties.

• The company drafted several contracts for their new clients
• The lawyer reviewed the contract thoroughly before approval

This is suitable for both formal and informal settings where parties come to a mutual understanding, which may or may not be legally binding.

• They reached an agreement on the terms of the sale
• An agreement was made to share the responsibilities equally

Primarily used in the context of international relations, where it refers to a formally concluded and ratified agreement between countries.

• The peace treaty ended a decade of conflict
• Countries came together to sign a treaty on climate change

Often used in religious, historical, or formal legal settings to describe a solemn promise or commitment. It might have a formal or antiquated feel.

• The covenant between the two families was considered sacred
• Many ancient covenants are recorded in religious texts

Formal, legally binding agreements typically used in business, employment, or real estate.

• The company signed several contracts with international clients.
• Before starting the construction, they reviewed the contracts thoroughly.

General term used to indicate consensus or acceptance between two or more parties, suitable for casual and formal settings.

• They agreed on the date for the next meeting.
• I agree with your point about the budget.

Indicates a strong dedication or promise to do something, often implying a long-term engagement.

• She committed to finishing the project by the end of the month.
• I can't commit to the event this weekend because of another engagement.

Can mean to take part in or become involved with something or someone, often used in more interactive or personal contexts.

• The teacher tried to engage the students with an interesting discussion.
• They plan to engage a famous speaker for the conference.