Treatise vs treaties

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Grammarist

Treatise and treaties are two words that are often confused. We will look at the difference between the definitions of treatise and treaties, where these words came from and some examples of their use in sentences.

A treatise is a formal, written discourse that deals with a subject systematically. A treatise is a serious work that examines a subject in depth. The word treatise is derived from the Old French word traitier, which means to set forth in writing or in a speech. The plural of treatise is treatises.

Treaties is the plural form of treaty, which is a formally ratified agreement between two states. A bilateral treaty is a treaty drawn up and agreed upon between two states, a multilateral treaty is drawn up and agreed upon between three or more states. The word treaty is derived from the Latin word tractatus, which means management, discussion or handling.

Examples

This novel is no light-hearted ode to “having it all” — it’s a radical treatise on women and work. (The Toronto Star)

The reading material was perfectly in-character: Daly plays a theologist and undercover intelligence officer, the kind of guy who would plausibly find the treatise on the demise of the global order a relaxing bedtime read. (The Albuquerque Journal)

FRE 803(18) makes an exception to the hearsay rule in regard to “learned treatises” – writings and articles pertaining to specialized areas of knowledge and which are authored by experts in the field. (The National Law Review)

BERLIN (Reuters) – Export powerhouse Germany on Thursday criticized U.S. moves to challenge international treaties as Chancellor Angela Merkel headed to Washington for a first meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. (U.S. News & World Report)