entente

American  

[ahn-tahnt, ahn-tahnt] / ɑnˈtɑnt, ɑ̃ˈtɑ̃t /

noun

ententes plural

1. an arrangement or understanding between two or more nations agreeing to follow a particular policy with regard to affairs of international concern.

   Synonyms:

   rapprochement, accord, agreement

2. an alliance of parties to such an understanding.

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entente British  

/ ɑ̃tɑ̃t /

noun

1. short for entente cordiale

2. the parties to an entente cordiale collectively

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• ententes
  plural

Etymology

Origin of entente

1830–45; < French: understanding, Old French: intention, noun use of feminine of entent, past participle of entendre to intend

Explanation

When two countries agree to help each other out in the event of a war or other crisis, that's an entente. The political term entente derives from the French éntente, or "understanding." Nations reach an entente when they come to an informal understanding that they'll join forces if necessary. This usually happens when the threat of war is looming. Even though ententes aren't formal treaties, they're usually enough to prevent a more powerful state from starting a war against the cooperating countries.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

entente ententes

On the surface, they entail a diplomatic entente among nations, while at a deeper level they entwine themselves within the cultures, commerce and values of countless societies.

From Salon ● Sep. 20, 2024

In his speech, the King said he wanted to "nourish and cherish" the entente cordialebetween France and Britain, but he also wanted it to become a relationship that promoted sustainability.

From BBC ● Sep. 21, 2023

Her successor, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, visited France in March to kick off what he called an "entente renewed".

From Reuters ● Sep. 19, 2023

On Monday, after an entente negotiated among the co-curators, students, faculty, and members of the Ukrainian and Cooper Union communities, Cooper Union announced that it was reinstating the show.

From New York Times ● Feb. 7, 2023

When that fail he make straight for his last resource—his last earth-work I might say did I wish double entente.

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker

And when he spoke the familiar phrases about shared sacrifices, and common values, and ententes, it mattered not a jot that the phrases were familiar and overworked.

From BBC ● Sep. 21, 2023

"He is not getting what he wants from the other side," Sager added, saying Saudi Arabia's ententes with regional foes were based on Riyadh's approach to regional security.

From Reuters ● May 24, 2023

Here is how ententes in the region are playing out.

From Reuters ● Apr. 6, 2023

"As ententes go this was not madly cordiale," says Independent sketch writer Donald Macintyre.

From BBC ● Oct. 28, 2014

Professor Oncken reviews the events of the period 1900-1914 in considerable detail, and to him the policy of ententes appears to be the main cause leading up to the world war.

From What Germany Thinks The War as Germans see it by Smith, Thomas F. A.