entente

[ ahn-tahnt; French ahn-tahnt ]

noun

, plural en·tentes [ahn-, tahnts, ah, n, -, tahnt].

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.

entente

/ ɑ̃tɑ̃t /

noun

1. short for entente cordiale
2. the parties to an entente cordiale collectively

Word History and Origins

Origin of entente¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of entente¹

C19: French: understanding

Example Sentences

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

Mr. Ramaswamy, who ostensibly is running against Mr. Trump despite having been the former president’s most enthusiastic defender on the campaign trail, has long been in a peculiar entente with the primary’s front-runner.

From New York Times

He called for a new ‘’entente for sustainability.”

From Seattle Times

Are the French less interested in the entente cordiale than they used to be?

From BBC

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