entente
Americannoun
plural
ententes-
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
-
an alliance of parties to such an understanding.
noun
-
short for entente cordiale
-
the parties to an entente cordiale collectively
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.
Vocabulary lists containing entente
World War I
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National Spelling Bee '14: Prelims Round 3
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Chapter 24: Imperialism and World War I
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
So expect more photo opportunities as the heads of state of the two countries show each other a taste of the entente cordiale.
From BBC • Sep. 20, 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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
