Agreeance vs. Agreement: What’s the Real Difference?

The English language is full of nuances, and many of us encounter common mistakes or confusion in everyday speech. One such confusion arises with the words “agreeance” and “agreement.” 

While these words sound similar, they are not interchangeable. In fact, understanding the proper usage of “agreement” can help you avoid errors that could make your writing or speech seem less professional.

This article will explore the differences between agreeance and agreement, delving into their definitions, histories, and proper usage. We’ll also highlight common mistakes and offer tips for making sure your communication is clear and correct. 

Whether you’re writing for business, academia, or just in casual conversation, using the right word is essential for sounding knowledgeable and authoritative.

By the end of this post, you’ll have a thorough understanding of why “agreement” is the word to use in almost every context and why “agreeance” is best avoided.

So, let’s jump into the details and clear up this common language mix-up once and for all!

What Is ‘Agreeance’?

Definition and Historical Origins

The word “agreeance” is an old term that, although historically used, has largely fallen out of favor in modern English. 

In its simplest form, agreeance was intended to refer to a state of agreement—but it was used less frequently and never gained the same widespread acceptance as the word “agreement.”

The word “agreeance” appears to have evolved from the word “agree,” which means to come to a mutual understanding or consensus. However, unlike “agreement,” agreeance was used less in formal contexts and was never fully adopted by major dictionaries.

How ‘Agreeance’ Became a Misstep in English

The first written uses of agreeance appeared as early as the 16th century, but over time, the word became more and more archaic. It was sometimes seen in legal documents or literature, but by the 18th century, the use of “agreement” had overtaken agreeance in common speech and writing.

Common Misconceptions

Despite agreeance’s decline, some people still use it, often mistakenly, when they actually mean agreement. This is usually due to the word’s similarity to other terms like “performance” (which becomes “performance”), “reliance”, and other nouns ending in “-ance.”

It’s easy to see how the misconception arises: because agreeance sounds so similar to “agreement”, it feels like a natural substitute. But it’s important to note that “agreeance” is not considered standard English and is generally regarded as a linguistic error.

Real-World Usage

Here are a couple of examples where people may mistakenly use agreeance instead of agreement:

• “We came to an agreeance after a long discussion.” (This should be: “We came to an agreement after a long discussion.”)
  
• “His agreeance was necessary for the proposal to be approved.” (This should be: “His agreement was necessary for the proposal to be approved.”)
  

As you can see, while these sentences sound plausible, they aren’t using the right term. This is where clarity in language becomes crucial.

What Is ‘Agreement’?

Definition and Proper Usage

On the other hand, “agreement” is a well-established and widely accepted word in both spoken and written English. Agreement refers to a mutual understanding or consent between two or more parties. It’s the preferred term in legal, formal, academic, and casual conversations.

“Agreement” has been in use for centuries and is the term you’ll find in almost every type of written communication. Whether it’s about a business contract, a legal contract, or simply coming to a consensus with a friend, agreement is the correct term to use.

Synonyms & Variations

In addition to agreement, you might encounter synonyms like “accord,” “understanding,” “concurrence,” and “pact.” While these words all convey a similar meaning, “agreement” remains the most widely used and accepted term, especially in formal contexts.

How ‘Agreement’ Came to Dominate the Language

Unlike agreeance, which struggled to find consistent use, agreement became deeply embedded in the language. It’s found in key areas of legal terminology, contracts, and even casual interactions like negotiations and discussions.

The word agreement has a clear history that makes its widespread use understandable. It’s derived from the Latin word “agreementum”, which means a “coming together” or “unite”—concepts that align well with what we think of today as a mutual decision or pact.

Real-World Usage

Here’s how “agreement” should be used in sentences:

• “They reached an agreement on the price after a few hours of negotiation.”
  
• “The agreement between the two companies ensured both would benefit from the partnership.”
  
• “Before signing the agreement, please make sure you understand all the terms.”
  

As you can see, agreement fits naturally in these contexts, providing clear and concise communication.

Why People Confuse ‘Agreeance’ and ‘Agreement’

The Linguistic Reason for the Confusion

The confusion between agreeance and agreement largely arises due to their similar phonetic structures. Both words are derived from the verb “agree”, and they both involve consensus or mutual understanding.

However, agreeance sounds like many other -ance nouns (like reliance, performance, etc.), leading some to mistakenly use it in place of “agreement.”

Cognitive Factors

Psychologically, when people speak or write quickly, they often follow patterns that are easier or more familiar to them. The addition of the -ance suffix might feel more natural than saying “agreement.” This leads to the subconscious use of agreeance, even though it’s not grammatically correct.

Common Errors in Everyday Speech

Let’s explore some more examples of how people might mix up these terms:

• “We had to sign an agreeance to move forward.” (Correct version: “We had to sign an agreement.”)
  
• “The team came to an agreeance after discussing the plan.” (Correct version: “The team came to an agreement after discussing the plan.”)
  

The Role of Dialects and Informal Usage

In some regional dialects or informal speech, you might hear agreeance used more frequently. This is often due to local customs or simply the habits of everyday speech. However, even in these contexts, agreement is still preferred in formal settings or written communication.

How to Correctly Use ‘Agreement’ and Avoid ‘Agreeance’

Best Practices for Professional Writing

If you’re writing business documents, academic papers, or contracts, the term “agreement” should always be used. Agreeance should be completely avoided in these professional settings.

To ensure you’re using agreement correctly:

• Always double-check your drafts.
  
• Use grammar tools like Grammarly or Hemingway to catch errors.
  
• If you’re ever unsure, consult a reliable style guide, like The Chicago Manual of Style or APA guidelines.
  

Grammar and Style Guides

Grammar resources consistently reject agreeance as a standard word. Merriam-Webster, for example, lists agreement as the correct term in all contexts. They’ve also documented the decline of agreeance, which has been dropped from most dictionaries.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Proofreading is key. Here’s a handy trick: when writing, if you’re ever unsure whether you should use agreeance, try replacing it with agreement and see if the sentence still makes sense. If it does, you’ve probably used the right word.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the distinction between agreeance and agreement is crucial for clear and professional communication. While agreeance was once used in the English language, it has since fallen out of favor, and agreement is now the correct, widely accepted term. By ensuring that you use agreement in your writing and speaking, you’ll present yourself as clear, professional, and authoritative.

So, next time you’re discussing a deal, an understanding, or a mutual decision, be sure to stick with agreement. It’s the right word for the job!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is ‘Agreeance’ Ever Correct to Use?

• No. While agreeance was used historically, it’s not considered correct in modern English.
  

Why Does ‘Agreeance’ Sound Wrong?

• The word agreeance is phonetically similar to words with the -ance suffix, but it lacks widespread use or grammatical acceptance.
  

Can You Use ‘Agreeance’ in Informal Settings?

• It’s better to avoid agreeance, even in informal speech. Using agreement ensures clarity.