concordat: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, official, historical, academic, diplomatic, religious.
Quick answer
What does “concordat” mean?
A formal agreement, especially between a government and the Vatican (the Roman Catholic Church).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A formal agreement, especially between a government and the Vatican (the Roman Catholic Church).
Any formal pact or covenant between parties, often implying an official, high-level settlement of a long-standing issue. In a broader secular sense, it can refer to any major agreement between powerful institutions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is used in identical formal and historical contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of formality and historical/religious diplomacy.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language in both regions. Slightly more likely to appear in British contexts due to historical agreements like the 1801 Concordat with Napoleon or discussions regarding the UK and the Holy See.
Grammar
How to Use “concordat” in a Sentence
[verb] + concordat (sign, negotiate, ratify, violate)concordat + [preposition] + [entity] (concordat with the Vatican, concordat between Church and State)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “concordat” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The two powers are seeking to concordat a new framework for cooperation.
- The issue was finally concordated after years of negotiation.
American English
- The state moved to concordat with the religious institution.
- They successfully concordated the terms last week.
adverb
British English
- The parties acted concordately to finalise the deal.
- They proceeded concordately on the matter.
American English
- The groups worked concordately toward a solution.
- She argued concordately for the pact.
adjective
British English
- The concordatory principles were enshrined in law.
- They reached a concordatory understanding.
American English
- The agreement had a strong concordatory character.
- This is a concordatory measure.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in history, political science, religious studies, and law to describe specific Church-State agreements.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would be considered a highly specialised term.
Technical
The specific term in international law and canon law for a formal agreement between the Holy See and a sovereign state.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “concordat”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “concordat”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “concordat”
- Using it for business or personal agreements. Pronouncing it as /ˈkɒnkɔːdæt/ (stress on first syllable) instead of /kənˈkɔːdæt/. Misspelling as 'concordant' (which is an adjective).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes. While it can theoretically describe any solemn pact, its overwhelming historical and current use is for formal agreements between a sovereign state and the Holy See (the government of the Roman Catholic Church).
All concordats are treaties, but not all treaties are concordats. A concordat is a specific type of treaty where one party is the Holy See. It often deals with the legal status of the Church, property, education, or appointment of bishops within a country.
It is highly unlikely you would need to. It is a very low-frequency, formal, and specialised term. Using it for an everyday agreement would sound odd and pretentious. Use 'agreement', 'deal', or 'pact' instead.
Stress the second syllable: kən-KOR-dat. The first syllable is a schwa /ə/, the 'or' is like in 'core', and the final 'a' is like the 'a' in 'cat'.
A formal agreement, especially between a government and the Vatican (the Roman Catholic Church).
Concordat is usually formal, official, historical, academic, diplomatic, religious. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The word itself is a specific term and does not form idioms.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CONcord + PACT. A 'Concordat' is a pact for CONcord (harmony), especially with the Vatican.
Conceptual Metaphor
BRIDGE/CONNECTOR (it bridges the gap between secular and religious authority). FOUNDATION STONE (it establishes a stable, foundational relationship).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'concordat' MOST appropriately used?