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

The French entente cordiale was remembered, and our Sovereign had long ago been declared to be the first diplomat in Europe.

From Project Gutenberg

What her purpose, in all this talk, he failed to see—unless she were seeking to establish an entente cordiale, or to gain time.

From Project Gutenberg

It was at this time that the new entente cordiale between France and England had its first test.

From Project Gutenberg

It was through his personal influence that the Entente Cordiale with France was brought about.

From Project Gutenberg

Any one can see that the "entente cordiale" is not quite what it once was.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• consensus
• pact
• rapport