Definition and pronunciation
agreement / agreements — noun.
- A shared decision or understanding between people (We’re in agreement).
- A formal arrangement or contract (a rental agreement).
- Grammar: agreement = matching features (e.g., subject–verb agreement).
US /əˈɡriːmənt/; plural agreements /əˈɡriːmənts/.
Easy explanation
An agreement is when people say yes to the same thing. It can be friendly (shake hands) or formal (a signed document). In grammar, agreement means words match (like she runs, not she run).
Part of speech and grammar
- Count/uncount: reach an agreement (count); be in agreement (uncount).
- Plural: agreements for multiple contracts or deals.
- Related forms: agree (verb), agreed (adjective: the agreed price), disagreement (noun), agreeable (adjective), agreement clause/term.
- Grammar sense: subject–verb agreement, pronoun–antecedent agreement, agreement in number/gender/case.
Register and tone
Neutral and widely used—from everyday talk to legal, business, academic, and relationship contexts. The tone becomes formal when it refers to contracts or policy.
Connection to sexuality
Indirect but important. In relationships, agreements can set boundaries, safer-sex practices, exclusivity, testing schedules, and communication rules. In consensual non-monogamy, partners often create relationship agreements. Note: Consent is required; an “agreement” made under pressure or without capacity is not valid.
Common collocations
reach/come to/strike an agreement, enter into/sign/renew/terminate an agreement, binding agreement, mutual agreement, verbal/written agreement, service-level agreement (SLA), non-disclosure agreement (NDA), licensing agreement, lease/rental agreement, prenuptial agreement, custody agreement, roommate/relationship/safer-sex agreement, collective bargaining agreement, peace agreement, agreement in principle, by mutual agreement, in agreement with.
Idioms and set phrases
partner in agreement (formal phrasing), in agreement with (aligned), agreement in principle (broad deal, details pending), gentlemen’s agreement (informal, nonbinding), meeting of the minds (legal: mutual understanding), agree to disagree (related expression with agree).
Prepositions and nuance
- agreement with [person/organization] — who you align with: in agreement with the union.
- agreement between/among [parties] — lists all signers: an agreement between three studios.
- agreement on/about/over [topic] — the subject: agreement on pricing.
- agreement to [do something] — commitment to an action: an agreement to share data.
- agreement under [law/policy] — governing rules: rights under the agreement.
- in agreement (with) — state of alignment: The results are in agreement with prior studies.
- by agreement — arranged beforehand: overtime is by agreement only.
Word comparisons
- agreement vs contract — a contract is an enforceable agreement (meets legal requirements); agreement can be informal or formal.
- agreement vs consensus — consensus = broad group support; an agreement can exist even without unanimous consensus.
- agreement vs deal — deal is colloquial; agreement is neutral/formal.
- agreement vs accord/treaty — used for international deals; treaty is formal, state-to-state.
- agreement vs arrangement/understanding — often informal or provisional.
- agreement vs consent — consent = permission/authorization; agreement = shared decision; consent can be part of an agreement.
Real-life examples
- We reached an agreement on the delivery schedule after two calls.
- Their relationship agreement includes yearly STI testing and clear boundaries about flirting.
- The landlord asked us to sign a month-to-month rental agreement.
- Editors confirmed they were in agreement about the headline.
- The paper discusses subject–verb agreement errors in learner writing.
- Union representatives announced a tentative collective bargaining agreement.
Sample sentences
- Let’s come to an agreement on scope before coding starts.
- They drafted a safer-sex agreement and shared clinic results with each other.
- Our teams are in agreement with the new KPIs.
- Under the agreement, either party can terminate with 30 days’ notice.
- Teachers reviewed pronoun–antecedent agreement with examples.
Synonyms
accord, deal, pact, contract, arrangement, understanding, settlement, compact, covenant, treaty, consensus, concurrence, alignment, harmony
Antonyms
disagreement, dispute, conflict, dissent, discord, deadlock, impasse, stalemate, breach, noncompliance
Related terms
agree, consent, consensus, contract law, memorandum of understanding (MOU), terms and conditions, clause, provision, binding, enforceable, negotiation, compromise, mediation, arbitration, boundary, expectation, policy, relationship agreement, safer-sex agreement, exclusivity
Notes and etiquette
Be specific: name the parties, scope, terms, timeline, review/exit clauses. In relationships, keep agreements mutual, revisitable, and consent-centered. In writing, distinguish agreement (neutral) from labels that shame or assume motives.
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