Pact: meaning, definitions and examples

A pact is generally a formal agreement between two or more parties, often to resolve conflicts or establish cooperation. It is usually used in political, diplomatic, or military contexts.

• The two countries signed a non-aggression pact.
• The neighboring states formed a pact to create a trade union.

Agreement is a general term for any consensus or contract between parties. It can be used in a wide range of contexts, from legal contracts to informal understandings.

• They came to an agreement on the terms of the sale.
• We had an agreement to meet every Friday.

A treaty is a formal and binding agreement between countries or governments. It is commonly used in legal and diplomatic contexts, often concerning peace, trade, or international relations.

• The two nations signed a treaty to end the war.
• The climate change treaty aims to reduce global emissions.

Accord implies agreement or harmony between different parties and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is often associated with mutual understanding and cooperative relationships.

• The leaders finally reached an accord after long negotiations.
• There was an accord among the team members on the project's direction.

Use this when referring to a formal agreement between two or more parties, often countries, about particular issues.

• The two nations signed a non-aggression pact.

A general term that can be used for any mutual arrangement or understanding between parties, whether formal or informal.

• They came to an agreement to share the costs.

Specifically refers to a formal, legally binding agreement between countries, usually after negotiations and often concerning peace or trade.

• The peace treaty ended the decade-long war.

Typically describes an informal agreement or general consensus reached between parties, often used in diplomatic contexts.

• The leaders reached an accord on climate change policies.

Used in situations where two or more parties make a formal agreement, often for mutual benefit, commonly used in political or international relations.

• The two countries signed a non-aggression pact
• Our team made a pact to support each other no matter what

Used in everyday conversation when people have the same opinion or decide on something together.

• Let's see if we can agree on a time to meet
• I agree with your point about the project

Used in legal or formal business situations where a written agreement is legally binding.

• She signed a contract to work with the company for two years
• Make sure to read the contract before signing it

Used in formal or religious contexts referring to a serious or sacred agreement, often found in legal and theological discussions.

• The land was protected under a covenant restricting its development
• The Bible talks about God's covenant with Abraham