C1nounformal2K

Treaty

UK /["/ˈtriːti/"]/US /["/ˈtriːti/"]/

Definition

a formal agreement between two or more countries

In simple words: An official agreement between countries.

Examples

  • The two countries signed a treaty to end the decades-long conflict.
  • The Treaty of Versailles officially ended World War I in 1919.
  • Negotiators worked for months to draft a treaty on climate change commitments.
  • After the treaty was signed, trade between the nations increased significantly.
  • The ancient treaty established borders between the two tribes centuries ago.

Usage notes

Use in political or legal contexts when discussing agreements between nations. Not suitable for casual conversation or informal contexts.

Grammar pattern

treaty + object

Memory hint

Think of 'treaty' as a 'treat' for two countries to share.

Collocations

  • global
  • international
  • regional
  • draft
  • draw up
  • negotiate
  • come into force
  • provide for
  • guarantee something
  • party
  • amendment
  • changes
  • by treaty
  • under a/​the treaty
  • treaty between
  • an article of a treaty
  • a clause of a treaty
  • the provisions of a treaty

Synonyms

  • agreement
  • pact
  • accord
  • compact
  • convention

Antonyms

  • conflict
  • war

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'transaction'.
  • Mistaken as a verb instead of a noun.
  • Using 'treaty' in everyday topics like friendships.