agrément

American  

[ah-grey-mahnt, a-grey-mahn] / ˌɑ greɪˈmɑnt, a greɪˈmɑ̃ /

noun

plural

agréments

1. Music. ornament.

2. agréments. Also agrémens agreeable qualities or circumstances.

3. the official approval by a government of a proposed envoy from a foreign government.

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agrément British  

/ agremɑ̃ /

noun

1. 1. formal approval for a construction project to proceed

   2. ( as modifier )

      an agrément certificate

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Etymology

Origin of agrément

1705–15; < French: literally, pleasure; agreement

Example Sentences

But Lord Mandelson is understood to have now received his "agrément" from the US government – a formal step confirming their willingness to accept him as a diplomat in their country.

From BBC • Jan. 29, 2025

The Foreign Office refused to comment but it is understood that it has yet to grant its agrément to Mr Busingye.

From BBC • Sep. 13, 2021

Under the Vienna Convention, ambassadors and high commissioners can take up their posts at the Court of St James only if the Foreign Office formally gives what is called its "agrément".

From BBC • Sep. 13, 2021

Moon’s government signed off on Cha’s nomination in December after Washington sent formal notice of intent to nominate him as ambassador, a process known as agrément.

From Washington Post • Jan. 31, 2018

And though he did not see me, I saw Felix, the prince of railers, who believes in nothing and cares for nothing except himself, for music is not with him a passion but an agrément.

From The Poems and Prose of Ernest Dowson With a memoir by Arthur Symons by Symons, Arthur