tractate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Literary, Religious
Quick answer
What does “tractate” mean?
A treatise, a formal written discourse on a subject, especially a scholarly or religious one.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A treatise, a formal written discourse on a subject, especially a scholarly or religious one.
A term primarily used to denote a specific section or volume of the Talmud, but can be applied to other formal, systematic expositions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both varieties; the word is rare and specialized.
Connotations
Scholarly, antiquated, or specifically Judaic.
Frequency
Extremely low-frequency in both dialects, appearing almost exclusively in academic or religious contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “tractate” in a Sentence
[tractate] on [subject][author]'s tractate on [subject]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theological, philosophical, or classical studies to refer to a major written work.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Specific term in Jewish studies for a division of the Mishnah or Talmud.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tractate”
- Misspelling as 'tractite' or 'tractrate'.
- Using it to refer to a short article or blog post (it implies substantial length).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'treatise' is a direct synonym. However, 'tractate' is much rarer and often carries a more archaic or specifically Judaic flavour.
No, it would sound overly formal, obscure, and possibly pretentious. Use 'essay', 'paper', or 'book' instead.
The plural is 'tractates'.
No, 'tractate' is solely a noun. There is no directly related verb in common use.
A treatise, a formal written discourse on a subject, especially a scholarly or religious one.
Tractate is usually formal, academic, literary, religious in register.
Tractate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtrækteɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtrækteɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A tractate is a tract (a written work) you debate (-ate).
Conceptual Metaphor
A TRACTATE IS A CONTAINER FOR IDEAS.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the word 'tractate' most specifically and commonly used?