Treaty

Definition

Treaty typically refers to a formal and legally binding agreement between two or more sovereign states. It is used to regulate relations, resolve disputes, or outline terms of cooperation.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtriːti/
• Respelling: TREE-tee (with "TREE" as in "tree" and "tee" as in "tea")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtriːti/
• Respelling: TREE-tee (similar to American English, with "TREE" as in "tree" and "tee" like in "tea")

In both dialects, "treaty" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "TREE," which is the same as the word "tree," followed by "tee," which is the same as the word "tea." The pronunciation of "treaty" is consistent between American and British English.

Etymology

The word "treaty" is derived from the Old French "traitie," from the Latin "tractatus" meaning "treatment, handling, discussion."

Derivatives

• Treatise
• Treatable
• Treating
• Treatied (though rarely used)
• Treatment

Synonyms

• Accord
• Pact
• Agreement

Antonyms

• Conflict
• Disagreement
• Hostility

Usage

• "The Treaty of Versailles was signed after World War I."
• "Nations often enter into treaties to maintain peace and foster trade."

Related Terms

• Convention
• Protocol
• Covenant
• Diplomacy
• Negotiation

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Formal Agreement: A formally concluded and ratified agreement between states.
• Example: The two countries signed a treaty to cease hostilities and promote trade.

• Document Outlining Agreement: The document embodying such an agreement.
• Example: The ambassador delivered the signed treaty to the foreign ministry.