Agreeance vs. Agreement – which one is correct to use?

When it comes to writing, precision is key. One area where writers often face confusion is in choosing between agreeance and agreement. These two terms may seem interchangeable at first glance, but they carry distinct meanings and implications, especially when it comes to formal vs. informal contexts. 

Understanding the difference between agreeance vs agreement and knowing which one to use can significantly improve the clarity and professionalism of your writing.

We’ll explore the historical usage, definitions, and contextual appropriateness of these words. We’ll also delve into their applications in formal and informal writing, compare their meanings, and provide clear guidelines on when to use each term.

Along the way, we’ll examine similar words, synonyms, and phrases that can further enhance your writing.

Introduction: The Language Conundrum

Picture this: You’re in a heated discussion with colleagues about a new project proposal. As the conversation winds down, someone chimes in, “Are we all in agreeance?” Suddenly, the room falls silent. Half the group nods in approval, while the other half exchanges puzzled glances. 

This scenario perfectly encapsulates the confusion surrounding “agreeance” vs “agreement.”The debate between these terms isn’t just about semantics; it touches on deeper issues of language evolution, formal versus informal communication, and the ever-changing nature of English. 

As we unpack this linguistic puzzle, we’ll explore not just which word to use, but also why the confusion persists and how to navigate this tricky terrain in various contexts.

Diving into Definitions

Agreement: The Standard Bearer

Etymology and Historical Usage

The word “agreement” has deep roots in the English language, tracing back to the late Middle English period. It stems from the Old French “agrément,” which itself comes from the verb “agreer,” meaning “to please.”

Modern Definitions and Applications

In contemporary usage, “agreement” serves multiple purposes:

• A harmony of opinion, action, or character
• An arrangement between parties regarding a course of action
• A contract or other formal arrangement

“Agreement” is widely accepted in both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile and safe choice in most situations.

Agreeance: The Controversial Contender

Origins and Evolution

“Agreeance” is a more recent addition to the English lexicon. While it’s been in use since the 16th century, it’s never gained the widespread acceptance of its counterpart, “agreement.”

Current Usage and Perception

Today, “agreeance” is often viewed as:

• An informal or colloquial variant of “agreement”
• A regional dialectical term, more common in some English-speaking areas than others
• A potential source of confusion or controversy in formal writing

Key Takeaways:

The Great Debate: Agreeance vs Agreement

The battle between these terms isn’t just about personal preference; it touches on broader linguistic principles and regional variations.

Linguistic Perspectives

Perspective	View on “Agreement”	View on “Agreeance”
Prescriptivists	Correct, standard usage	Incorrect or non-standard
Descriptivists	Widely accepted	Evolving usage, context-dependent

Prescriptivists’ View

Prescriptive grammarians, who focus on rules and “correct” usage, generally favor “agreement” as the proper term. They might argue that “agreeance” is unnecessary, given that “agreement” already exists and serves the same purpose.

Descriptivists’ Stance

Descriptive linguists, who study how language is actually used rather than how it “should” be used, take a more nuanced view. They recognize that “agreeance” exists in certain dialects and contexts, even if it’s not universally accepted.

Usage in Different English-Speaking Regions Agreeance vs Agreement

The preference for “agreeance” vs “agreement” can vary significantly depending on where you are in the English-speaking world:

Country	Preferred Term	Context/Usage
United States	“Agreement”	Strongly preferred in most contexts, both formal and informal.
Australia	“Agreeance”	More commonly heard in casual speech, though “agreement” is also used.
United Kingdom	“Agreement”	The standard term, with “agreeance” rarely used.
Canada	“Agreement”	Similar to the US, with “agreement” being the norm.

Formal vs Informal Contexts

The choice between “agreeance” vs “agreement” often hinges on the formality of the situation:

Formal Contexts

• Legal documents
• Academic writing
• Business proposals

In these settings, “agreement” is almost always the preferred choice.

Informal Contexts

• Casual conversations
• Social media posts
• Informal emails

Here, “agreeance” might be used, especially in regions where it’s more common, though “agreement” remains widely accepted.

“Agreeance” and “Agreement”: A simple table of explanation

Feature	Agreeance	Agreement
Definition	Rare, archaic term that means “agreement” or “concurrence.” Not commonly used in modern English.	A widely accepted term meaning “harmony or consensus of opinion or feeling,” or a “formal contract” between parties.
Formality	Considered informal and somewhat archaic; its use may seem outdated or nonstandard.	Highly formal and standard across all forms of communication, both casual and professional.
Usage in Modern English	Very rare in contemporary usage; more of a historical or linguistic curiosity.	Universally used in everyday language, legal contexts, and professional settings.
Recognition	Not commonly recognized or accepted in most dictionaries; appears in some as an obsolete term.	Recognized and widely used in all major English dictionaries.
Contexts	Primarily found in historical texts or as an uncommon alternative for stylistic purposes.	Used in everyday conversation, formal writing, legal documents, contracts, and negotiations.
Evolution	Once used similarly to “agreement” but has fallen out of favor since the 19th century.	Consistently in use since its introduction, with steady evolution as English has modernized.
Perception	Can be perceived as incorrect, outdated, or uneducated by modern speakers.	Seen as the correct and appropriate term for expressing consensus or contractual arrangements.
Language Evolution	Considered a relic of earlier English usage, not part of contemporary linguistic development.	Continues to evolve with new meanings and usages in modern language contexts.
Examples in Sentences	“The two parties came to an agreeance on the issue” (Rare)	“The two parties reached an agreement on the issue” (Standard)
Commonness in Writing	Extremely rare and unlikely to be found in most modern texts.	Extremely common in both informal and formal writing, including legal documents and contracts.

Which One is More Acceptable?

 Agreement is undeniably the more acceptable term in both formal and informal contexts. It is widely recognized, used, and preferred across all types of communication, from legal documents to casual conversations. 

On the other hand, agreeance is considered outdated and non-standard, rarely appearing in modern writing. To maintain clarity and professionalism, always opt for agreement. Using agreeance may confuse readers or give your writing an archaic tone.

Synonyms and Similar Words for Agreeance and Agreement

When writing, it’s often useful to have synonyms and alternative words at your disposal. Depending on the tone, context, and formality of your writing, you can employ various similar words or phrases to avoid repetition or add nuance.

Synonyms for “Agreement”

• Accord: Often used in formal documents or treaties.
  • Example: “The two nations signed an accord to end hostilities.”
• Consent: Implies voluntary agreement or permission.
  • Example: “Her parents gave their consent for the field trip.”
• Contract: A legally binding agreement.
  • Example: “The company signed a contract with the new supplier.”
• Pact: A formal agreement between parties, often used in diplomatic contexts.
  • Example: “The countries agreed to a peace pact.”
• Understanding: Implies a mutual recognition of terms, often less formal than an agreement.
  • Example: “We have a mutual understanding about the project goals.”

Synonyms for “Agreeance”

Since agreeance is rarely used, you’ll often find it replaced by more common informal terms like:

• Consensus: General agreement within a group.
  • Example: “The team reached a consensus on the next steps.”
• Concurrence: Agreement or cooperation.
  • Example: “The judges expressed their concurrence with the decision.”

Why the Confusion Persists

The ongoing debate between “agreeance” and “agreement” isn’t just a matter of personal preference. Several factors contribute to the lingering confusion:

1. Sound Similarity: The words sound remarkably alike, making it easy for speakers to mix them up in casual conversation.
2. Suffix Patterns: English has many words that end in “-ance” (like “performance” or “attendance”), which might lead some to assume “agreeance” is equally valid.
3. Regional Differences: As mentioned earlier, usage varies across English-speaking countries, adding to the confusion for international communicators.
4. Impact of Digital Communication: The informality of online interactions has blurred the lines between formal and informal language, sometimes giving non-standard terms like “agreeance” more visibility.

Breaking It Down: When to Use Each Term

Given the complexity surrounding these terms, it’s crucial to understand when to use each one.

Agreement: The Safe Choice

When to Use “Agreement”:

• Formal writing
• Legal contexts
• Business communication
• Academic papers
• Any situation where clarity is paramount

Example: “The two parties reached an agreement on the terms of the contract.”

Agreeance: Proceed with Caution

When “Agreeance” Might Be Used:

• Informal settings
• Dialectal usage (e.g., in some parts of Australia)
• Casual conversations among friends

Example: “Are we all in agreeance about where to have lunch?”

Expert Tip: When in doubt, opt for “agreement.” It’s universally accepted and won’t raise eyebrows in any context.

Usage in Context

“Agreeance” (Informal):

• Context: When “agreeance” is used, it tends to appear in informal or stylistic contexts where speakers may not be concerned with grammatical correctness or are attempting to evoke an old-fashioned tone.
• Example:
  “Everyone in the room eventually came to an agreeance, though some hesitated at first.”
  In this example, the term “agreeance” sounds slightly off to a modern ear, and its use could come across as casual or unintentional.

“Agreement” (Formal & Informal):

• Context: “Agreement” is the standard term used in both everyday informal conversations and formal communications, such as legal documents, professional emails, and official speeches.
• Examples:
  Informal:
  “We had an agreement to meet up at 6 PM, but he was late.”
  Formal:
  “The two countries entered into a trade agreement that will boost economic ties.”
  In both examples, “agreement” fits perfectly and is widely understood as the proper term in both casual and formal settings.

Origins of “Agreeance” and “Agreement”

“Agreeance”:

• Historical Background: “Agreeance” comes from Middle English and was used as an alternative form of “agreement” between the 16th and 19th centuries. However, it started to fall out of favor and was almost entirely replaced by “agreement” in modern English. Though technically a valid word in historical contexts, it is now considered archaic and uncommon.
• Etymology: Derived from the Old French agreer (meaning “to please or to agree”), with the suffix “-ance” indicating an action or state. This construction mirrors how some other abstract nouns were formed in English, but “agreeance” simply never persisted.

“Agreement”:

• Historical Background: “Agreement” has been the preferred form since at least the 16th century and remains the dominant word to express mutual consent or an understanding between parties. It has become deeply embedded in both casual and formal language over time.
• Etymology: Also derived from Old French agreer and the suffix “-ment,” which creates nouns indicating the result or process of a verb. In this case, “agreement” refers to the result of “agreeing” on something, making it the more stable and widely accepted term.

The Future of “Agreeance”

As with all aspects of language, the status of “agreeance” is not set in stone. Several factors could influence its future usage:

• Changing Language Norms: As language continues to evolve, attitudes towards non-standard terms like “agreeance” may shift.
• Potential for Wider Acceptance: Increased global communication could lead to greater acceptance of regional variants.
• The Role of Dictionaries: If major dictionaries begin to list “agreeance” without qualifications, it could gain more legitimacy.

Conclusion

When comparing agreeance vs agreement, the answer is clear: agreement is the universally accepted and appropriate term in both formal and informal writing. 

While agreeance may still appear in casual speech, it is largely outdated and can cause confusion, especially in professional or legal contexts.