WordValeentente
a friendly understanding or informal alliance between states
In more detail
1. (noun) an agreement or understanding between countries or groups, especially one that creates a friendly alliance
2. (noun) the countries or groups that have made such an agreement
Examples
- 1. The two nations reached an entente to cooperate on trade and security.
- 2. The entente between France and Russia helped balance European power in the early 1900s.
How to use entente
Entente refers to a formal understanding or alliance between nations or groups, often implying friendly cooperation and shared interests. It is used in diplomatic and historical contexts and tends to be more formal than 'agreement' alone. The term often carries a diplomatic or sophisticated tone and is frequently encountered in discussions of international relations or historical alliances.
Common phrases
- entente cordiale
- reach an entente
- form an entente
- bilateral entente
- diplomatic entente
Synonyms
agreement · understanding · alliance · accord · pact
Opposites
discord · disagreement · conflict
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse entente with treaty, but entente is typically looser and less formal than a binding treaty with specific legal obligations.
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