entente cordiale

[ahn-tahnt kawr-dyahl, ahn-tahnt kawr-dyal]

noun

1. a friendly understanding, especially between two or more nations.

entente cordiale

/ ɑ̃tɑ̃t kɔrdjal /

noun

1. a friendly understanding between political powers: less formal than an alliance

2. (often capitals) the understanding reached by France and Britain in April 1904, which settled outstanding colonial disputes

Word History and Origins

Origin of entente cordiale¹

Borrowed into English from French around 1835–45

Word History and Origins

Origin of entente cordiale¹

C19: French: cordial understanding

Related Words

• consensus 
• pact 
• rapport