entente cordiale

[ ahn-tahnt kawr-dyahl; French 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

Example Sentences

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

From BBC

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

If he follows the example of his speech to the Reichstag, there will be a charm offensive with multilingual cultural references and jokes, this time delivered in the interests of the entente cordiale.

From BBC

“Although crafting one that does not get a thumbs down from the constitutional court may be a daunting task. One that requires at least an entente cordiale between the League and M5S.”

From The Guardian

Even some of Macron’s French diplomatic colleagues are skeptical that this new “entente cordiale” will end happily.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• consensus
• pact
• rapport