a friendly understanding between political powers: less formal than an alliance
2. (often capitals)
the understanding reached by France and Britain in April 1904, which settled outstanding colonial disputes
Word origin
C19: French: cordial understanding
entente cordiale in American English
(ɑːnˈtɑːnt kɔrˈdjɑːl, French ɑ̃ːˈtɑ̃ːt kɔʀˈdjal)
noun
a friendly understanding, esp. between two or more nations
Word origin
[1835–45; ‹ F]This word is first recorded in the period 1835–45. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: crosshead, cutaway, protein, serial, squeegee
Examples of 'entente cordiale' in a sentence
entente cordiale
Although they have an 'entente cordiale', he feels free to explore other avenues.
Times, Sunday Times (2018)
The balloon is a physical expression of the entente cordiale.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
It takes two to nurture the entente cordiale.
Times, Sunday Times (2018)
There has been no such 'entente cordiale' here.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Despite the entente cordiale of 1904, there is no love lost between us.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
The entente cordiale is alive and well, in the arts at least.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
A new entente cordiale is required 100 years after the last one.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The entente cordiale tastes rather diluted this week.
Times, Sunday Times (2018)
No one is daring to use the loaded term entente cordiale.
Times, Sunday Times (2018)
Entente cordiale will remain intact.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Synonyms of 'entente cordiale'
agreement, understanding, arrangement, treaty
More Synonyms of entente cordiale
(noun)
Definition
a friendly understanding between two or more countries
holding a conference in an attempt to develop an entente cordiale
Synonyms
agreement
a new defence agreement
understanding
We had not set a date but there was an understanding between us.
arrangement
The caves can be visited only by prior arrangement.
treaty
negotiations over an international treaty on global warming
deal (informal)
Japan has done a deal with America on rice exports.
friendship
pact
The two countries signed a non-aggression pact.
compact
The Pilgrims signed a democratic compact aboard the Mayflower.
Additional synonyms
in the sense of arrangement
Definition
an agreement or a plan to do something
The caves can be visited only by prior arrangement.
Synonyms
agreement,
contract,
settlement,
appointment,
compromise,
deal (informal),
pact,
compact,
covenant
in the sense of compact
Definition
a contract or agreement
The Pilgrims signed a democratic compact aboard the Mayflower.
Synonyms
agreement,
deal (informal),
understanding,
contract,
bond,
arrangement,
alliance,
treaty,
bargain,
pact,
covenant,
entente,
concordat
in the sense of deal
Definition
an agreement or transaction
Japan has done a deal with America on rice exports.