treatise

[ tree-tis ]

noun

1. a formal and systematic exposition in writing of the principles of a subject, generally longer and more detailed than an essay.

treatise

/ ˈtriːtɪz /

noun

1. a formal work on a subject, esp one that deals systematically with its principles and conclusions
2. an obsolete word for narrative

Word History and Origins

Origin of treatise¹

1300–50; Middle English tretis < Anglo-French tretiz, akin to Old French traitier to treat

Word History and Origins

Origin of treatise¹

C14: from Anglo-French tretiz , from Old French tretier to treat

Example Sentences

The book soon “became a standard treatise,” according to a 2018 biography published by the American Statistical Association.

From MIT Technology Review

The treatise was the compilation of years spent working to treat recently freed former slaves and disadvantaged women in the wake of the Civil War.

From Ozy

It’s a provocation rather than a treatise—and, at 168 pages, it works.

From Outside Online

For Richardson, laundry is an act of love, and “Laundry Love” is his treatise to America’s laundry rooms and the clothes that tumble in them.

From Washington Post

Its president Brad Smith posted a long treatise in praise of the importance of public interest journalism.

From Time

In other words, another treatise on masculinity from Pizzolatto.

From The Daily Beast

We do have the writings of Sextus Julius Frontinus—but what he wrote was a treatise on aqueducts.

From The Daily Beast

As a treatise on the essential vacuity of the white liberal male, Boyhood is a staggering achievement.

From The Daily Beast

Locke mentioned it in his Second Treatise on Government; Milton dreamed of it in Paradise Lost.

From The Daily Beast

Another time, before he wrote his treatise on Atheism, he scolded me for believing in God.

From The Daily Beast

William King, archbishop of Dublin, died; author of a celebrated treatise on the origin of evil.

From Project Gutenberg

In 1639 Venner published a volume entitled "A Treatise" concerning the taking of the fume of tobacco.

From Project Gutenberg

He hoped to treat the subject exhaustively in his forthcoming treatise on Ecclesiastical Prosody.

From Project Gutenberg

You perfectly understand that branch of business since you studied the treatise on precious stones.

From Project Gutenberg

It was at this convention that a written treatise on American rights was prepared for the convention by Thomas Jefferson.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• commentary
• discourse
• dissertation
• essay
• memoir
• monograph
• pamphlet
• thesis