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noun Common

pact

pakt

Pact (noun) means a formal agreement between two or more people, groups, or nations. Example: “The two countries signed a non-aggression pact.”

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noun
1
A formal agreement between two or more people, groups, or nations.
"The two countries signed a non-aggression pact."
"The friends made a pact to meet up every year."

How to use pact

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA deal or promise that two or more sides commit to honouring.

Common pairings
sign a pact suicide pact break a pact
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Word forms

Singular
pacts
Plural
pacts
Past tense
pacted
Test yourself on “pact” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The two countries signed a non-aggression _____.

Etymology

From Latin pactum, "something agreed upon," from the verb pacisci, "to agree."

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for pact

See all rhymes for pact →

Frequently asked questions

What does “pact” mean?

The word “pact” means a formal agreement between two or more people, groups, or nations. In plain terms, a deal or promise that two or more sides commit to honouring.

How do you pronounce “pact”?

“Pact” is pronounced pakt (/pækt/ in IPA).

How do you use “pact” in a sentence?

Here is “pact” used in a sentence: “The two countries signed a non-aggression pact.”

What is another word for “pact”?

Words with a similar meaning to “pact” include accord, agreement, bond, compact, concord and convention.

What part of speech is “pact”?

“Pact” is a noun.

Where does the word “pact” come from?

The word “pact” comes from Latin. From Latin pactum, "something agreed upon," from the verb pacisci, "to agree.".

Is “pact” a common word?

“Pact” is a fairly common word in modern English.

What is the difference between a pact and a treaty?

A pact is a formal agreement between two or more people, groups, or nations, and the term can apply to agreements of varying scope, from a personal promise to a major international arrangement. A treaty is a specific type of pact that is a formal, legally binding agreement typically between nations, often more official and documented than a general pact.

Can a pact be made between individuals rather than nations?

Yes, a pact can be a formal agreement between individuals or small groups, such as a suicide pact or a pact between friends, not just between larger organizations or countries.

What is the difference between a pact and a contract?

A pact is a formal agreement that can be informal in its enforceability, while a contract is typically a legally binding agreement with specific terms that can be enforced in court. A pact between friends, for example, usually relies on trust rather than legal enforcement.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial