terms: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to formal; common in legal, business, academic, and everyday contexts.
Quick answer
What does “terms” mean?
The conditions under which an agreement or relationship operates.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The conditions under which an agreement or relationship operates; the language used to describe or define something.
The state of a relationship between people or groups; a word or phrase with a specific meaning in a particular context; a fixed period of time (e.g., school term).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. Minor differences: In education, 'term' for a period of study is more systematically used in BrE (autumn term, spring term), while AmE may use 'semester' or 'quarter'. The phrase 'in no uncertain terms' is slightly more frequent in BrE.
Connotations
Identical core connotations.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties with no significant disparity.
Grammar
How to Use “terms” in a Sentence
[Subject] + be + on + [adjective] + terms + with + [person/group][Subject] + agree to/accept + [possessive] + terms[Subject] + negotiate/set out + the terms + of + [agreement]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “terms” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The contract terms the agreement as commencing on the first of the month.
- The legislation specifically terms such actions as fraudulent.
American English
- The agreement terms the payment due upon completion.
- He was termed a hero by the local press.
adverb
British English
- The payment is made termly.
- The committee meets termly to review progress.
American English
- The interest is calculated and paid termly.
- He is employed on a termly basis.
adjective
British English
- He received a term appointment lasting three years.
- The termly newsletter is sent to all parents.
American English
- She has a term position at the university.
- The company offers term life insurance policies.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to payment terms, delivery terms, contractual terms, and conditions of sale.
Academic
Used for defining key vocabulary (scientific terms, technical terms) and discussing theoretical frameworks ('in Foucauldian terms').
Everyday
Describes relationships ('We're on good terms') and basic agreements ('The terms of our rental were clear').
Technical
Precise definitions within a field (legal terms, medical terms).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “terms”
- Using singular 'term' for the plural concept ('We discussed the term of the contract' -> 'terms'). Confusing 'on terms' with 'in terms'. Overusing 'in terms of' where 'regarding' or 'concerning' would be better.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is always 'in terms of'. 'In term of' is incorrect.
They are often used together ('terms and conditions') and are largely synonymous in legal contexts. However, 'terms' can be broader, including relationship status, while 'conditions' often refer to specific requirements that must be fulfilled.
Yes, 'a term' can refer to a fixed period (school term), a word or expression (technical term), or a condition in a contract, though for conditions, the plural is far more common.
It means to accept emotionally or intellectually a difficult or unpleasant situation. It's followed by a noun phrase: 'He had to come to terms with his retirement.'
The conditions under which an agreement or relationship operates.
Terms is usually neutral to formal; common in legal, business, academic, and everyday contexts. in register.
Terms: in British English it is pronounced /tɜːmz/, and in American English it is pronounced /tɝːmz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on speaking terms”
- “come to terms with (something)”
- “in no uncertain terms”
- “on equal terms”
- “in terms of”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TERMS sheet: it lists the T.E.R.M.S. (Terms, Expectations, Rules, Money, and Signatures) of a deal.
Conceptual Metaphor
AGREEMENTS ARE CONTAINERS (with terms as the contents/boundaries). RELATIONSHIPS ARE JOURNEYS (being on good/bad terms describes the path's condition).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following uses of 'terms' refers primarily to a relationship?