Agreeance vs Agreement: Which One to Use?

When it comes to the English language, certain words can cause confusion, especially when they seem so similar but aren’t quite the same. Agreeance vs agreement are two such words that often get mixed up. Although they share a common root, their meanings, uses, and even frequency in English differ.

In this article, we’ll delve deep into the agreeance vs agreement debate and help you understand which one to use in different contexts. By the end, you’ll have a solid grasp of their distinctions and be able to confidently choose the right word in your writing and speech.

What is Agreeance?

Let’s start with agreeance meaning. The word “agreeance” is an older, less commonly used variant of “agreement.” It’s derived from the word agree, and while it does exist in the English language, it’s rarely used today. In fact, agreeance is considered somewhat archaic and has fallen out of favor in modern English.

The term agreeance was used historically to describe a state of mutual understanding or the act of agreeing. However, over time, it has been largely replaced by the more universally accepted term “agreement.” To be clear, agreeance is not wrong, but it’s rarely used in contemporary English, especially in formal or professional contexts.

Agreeance Definition

The agreeance definition is simple: it refers to the state of being in agreement or the act of agreeing. However, this word is mostly limited to informal or regional uses. For instance, in some dialects or older texts, you might still come across it.

Agreeance in a Sentence

To better understand how agreeance works, here’s an example in a sentence:
“After a long discussion, the team reached an agreeance about the new project timeline.”

While this sentence is grammatically correct, you’ll rarely encounter agreeance in modern-day communication. It sounds somewhat old-fashioned, and “agreement” would be the preferred choice here.

What is Agreement?

On the other hand, agreement is a widely accepted term that refers to the act of agreeing or a mutual understanding between two or more parties. Agreement is used in everyday speech and writing, whether you’re discussing business contracts, personal relationships, or any situation involving consensus.

The agreement vs agreeance contrast is pretty straightforward. Agreement is the go-to word for expressing consent, approval, or the outcome of a discussion.

It’s what you’re most likely to use when you’re engaging in professional, formal, or casual conversations. It’s important to recognize that agreement is not just limited to a verbal agreement; it can also refer to written contracts, terms, or any formalized arrangement between parties.

Agreement vs Agreeance: Key Differences

Let’s break down the key differences between agreement and agreeance in a simple table format for easy comparison:

Feature	Agreeance	Agreement
Meaning	An older term for mutual understanding.	The act of agreeing; a formal or informal understanding.
Usage	Rarely used today, sounds old-fashioned.	Commonly used in everyday speech and writing.
Formality	Often used in informal, regional contexts.	Used in both formal and informal settings.
Examples	“We came to an agreeance…”	“We came to an agreement…”
Frequency	Infrequent and outdated.	Very frequent, especially in formal contexts.

As the table shows, agreement is the more versatile and widely accepted word. If you want to avoid sounding outdated or awkward, it’s best to use agreement in most cases.

When to Use Agreeance

While agreeance is not common, it’s still worth understanding its occasional use. Here are a few scenarios where agreeance might pop up:

1. Historical or Literary Contexts
   You may come across agreeance when reading older books, plays, or letters. For example, an 18th-century letter might contain the phrase “We reached an agreeance about the terms of the contract.”
2. Regional or Dialectal Usage
   Some regional dialects may still use agreeance as a colloquial variant. In certain communities, you might hear it in everyday conversation.

However, outside of these situations, using agreement is almost always preferable.

Example Email Using Agreeance

Here’s an example of how agreeance could be used in an informal context, like a casual email:

Subject: Follow-up on Our Discussion

Hi Sarah,

I hope you’re doing well. I just wanted to confirm that we’ve reached an agreeance on the new project guidelines. As discussed, the deadline will be set for March 15th, and we’ll need to ensure all stakeholders are on board before then.

Let me know if you need any further clarification!

Best regards,
John

In this email, agreeance is used to suggest a mutual understanding between the two parties, although agreement would sound more natural in a business setting.

When to Use Agreement

Now let’s explore some situations where agreement is the clear choice.

1. Business or Professional Contexts

In business, agreement is the standard term to express a formal understanding or contract between two parties. Whether it’s about partnership terms, job expectations, or any other legal or contractual matter, agreement is your go-to term.

Example Email Using Agreement

Here’s an example of how agreement would be more suitable in a formal email:

Subject: Confirming Partnership Agreement

Dear Mark,

I’m writing to confirm that we’ve reached an agreement regarding the new partnership. The contract has been finalized, and both parties have signed off on the terms. Please review the attached document to ensure everything is in order.

Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to discuss.

Best regards,
Emily

This email clearly uses agreement to indicate a formal and legally binding understanding.

2. Everyday Conversations

In casual conversations, whether it’s agreeing on dinner plans with a friend or making a joint decision, agreement is the word that naturally fits. For example:

• “We’ve come to an agreement about where to go on vacation.”
• “I think we can reach an agreement on this issue if we keep talking.”

Agreement is simply the most natural and widely understood choice in these contexts.

Why Avoid Agreeance?

Despite agreeance being technically correct in some situations, there are several reasons why you should generally avoid it:

• Obsolescence: Most English speakers today don’t use agreeance, so it can sound out-of-date.
• Clarity: Agreement is clearer and universally recognized.
• Professionalism: Using agreeance might confuse or distract people in formal or business contexts.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the key takeaway here is simple: agreement is the preferred and more commonly used term in modern English. Agreeance, while not wrong, is largely considered archaic and should be reserved for specific contexts like historical writing or regional dialects. In most cases, using agreement will make your communication sound more polished, professional, and easy to understand.

Remember: agreeance vs agreement isn’t just about choosing the right word, but also about ensuring your message is clear, concise, and appropriate for the context. Whether you’re drafting an important email or chatting with a friend, using the correct term can make all the difference in how your message is received.