Treaty: meaning, definitions and examples

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treaty

[ˈtriːti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

international agreements

A treaty is a formally concluded and ratified agreement between countries.

Synonyms

accord, agreement, pact.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
treaty	Used in formal contexts, usually to refer to an official agreement between countries or governments. The two countries signed a peace treaty to end the war. The environmental treaty aims to reduce carbon emissions.
agreement	This is a broad term that can be used in both formal and informal settings to describe a mutual understanding or arrangement between parties. Most general and versatile. They came to an agreement to share the chores at home. The business partners signed an agreement for the new venture.
pact	Often used to describe a formal agreement, usually between two or more parties for mutual benefit. Can sometimes suggest secrecy or special exclusivity. The friendship pact between the countries was a significant diplomatic move. They made a pact to always support each other through tough times.
accord	Also used formally, but can pertain to harmony in general, not just political agreements. Often implies mutual consent. The two companies reached an accord to collaborate on future projects. The leaders achieved an accord on climate change policies.

Examples of usage

The countries signed a peace treaty to end the war.
The treaty was designed to promote trade between the two nations.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

legal documents

In legal terms, a treaty is a formal written agreement between governments that is legally binding.

Synonyms

contract, convention, covenant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
treaty	Used to refer to formal agreements between countries or sovereign states, typically involving peace, security, or alliances. The peace treaty between the two nations helped end the decade-long war. Environmental treaties are crucial for global climate policy.
contract	Commonly refers to legal agreements between two or more parties in the business, employment, or legal sectors. He signed a contract to work for the company for two years. The contractor must adhere to all specifications outlined in the building contract.
covenant	Typically refers to a serious, binding agreement or promise in legal or religious contexts; often carries a solemn or sacred connotation. The two parties entered into a covenant not to compete in the same market. In many cultures, a marriage is considered a sacred covenant.
convention	Often used for international agreements, usually of a formal nature, established by multilateral institutions or states; can also refer to large formal meetings or conferences. The Geneva Convention outlines the humane treatment of prisoners of war. The annual medical convention attracts professionals from around the world.

Examples of usage

The treaty was ratified by both parties and became law.
The treaty outlines the rights and obligations of each nation involved.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

peace negotiations

A treaty is often the result of negotiations to establish peace or resolve conflicts between countries.

Synonyms

accord, conciliation, settlement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
treaty	A formal agreement between two or more sovereign states, typically after negotiations. Used in political and diplomatic contexts. The two countries signed a treaty to end the war
settlement	The resolution of a dispute or conflict, often involving legal or financial terms. Used in legal, business, and conflict resolution contexts. The parties reached a settlement to avoid a protracted court battle
accord	An agreement reached by groups, nations, or parties, often implying harmony and reconciliation. Commonly used in international relations and formal agreements. The peace accord was celebrated as a milestone in international diplomacy
conciliation	An effort to bring about peace or restore a relationship, usually through mediation or negotiation. Often used in social, legal, and diplomatic contexts. The diplomat's role was to facilitate conciliation between the rival factions

Examples of usage

The treaty brought an end to the long-standing dispute.
The signing of the treaty marked a new era of cooperation between the nations.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word comes from the Latin 'tractatus', meaning 'to handle' or 'to deal with'.
Throughout history, treaties have been signed to end wars and create peace, dating back to ancient civilizations.
The Treaty of Westphalia in 1648 marked the end of the Thirty Years' War and established principles for national sovereignty.

Political Science

Treaties are often essential for international relations, helping countries negotiate trade, military alliances, and environmental protection.
Ratification of treaties typically requires approval by national legislatures, ensuring democratic oversight.
Some treaties have mechanisms for dispute resolution, allowing countries to address problems without resorting to conflict.

Examples in History

The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, formally ended World War I and imposed heavy reparations on Germany.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was established in 1949 as a military alliance to promote collective defense.
The Paris Agreement is a modern treaty aimed at combating climate change, with countries committing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Cultural Impact

Many treaties have inspired literature and art, often reflecting the hopes and challenges of their time.
Cinematic representations of historic treaties often dramatize the negotiations, emphasizing the human elements of diplomacy.
Festivals and events sometimes commemorate significant treaties, celebrating peace and cooperation among nations.

Contemporary Relevance

In today’s world, treaties remain vital for global cooperation on issues like climate change, trade agreements, and arms control.
Social movements often push for new treaties to address human rights or environmental concerns within nations.
Digital treaties are emerging, focusing on the governance of technology and internet laws to enhance international cooperation.

Translations

Translations of the word "treaty" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tratado

🇮🇳 संधि

🇩🇪 Vertrag

🇮🇩 perjanjian

🇺🇦 договір

🇵🇱 traktat

🇯🇵 条約 (じょうやく)

🇫🇷 traité

🇪🇸 tratado

🇹🇷 anlaşma

🇰🇷 조약 (조약)

🇸🇦 معاهدة

🇨🇿 smlouva

🇸🇰 zmluva

🇨🇳 条约 (条约)

🇸🇮 pogodba

🇮🇸 sáttmáli

🇰🇿 шарт

🇬🇪 ხელშეკრულება

🇦🇿 müqavilə

🇲🇽 tratado

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,450, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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2447 supporting
2448 worker
2449 afraid
2450 treaty
2451 smooth
2452 clay
2453 deposit
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