Is “Agreeance” A Proper Word In English|Explained With Examples

Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of this grammar debate and settle the question: is “agreeance” a proper word?

If you’ve ever come across the word “agreeance” and wondered, Is that a real word? you’re not alone. In fact, many people have been caught in the same linguistic conundrum. Is it a valid word, or should we stick to its more common cousin, “agreement”?Language can be a funny thing. It evolves, shifts, and sometimes even makes us scratch our heads in confusion.

In this article, we’ll break down the origins, meaning, and modern-day relevance of “agreeance.” We’ll also explore its place in the English language, debunk some common grammar myths, and help you decide whether to use it in your writing.

What Does “Agreeance” Mean?

Definition of “Agreeance”

First things first: what does “agreeance” actually mean? According to historical dictionaries, “agreeance” refers to the state of being in agreement or accord. Sounds simple enough, right? It’s essentially a synonym for “agreement.” However, there’s a reason you’re more familiar with “agreement” than with “agreeance.” The word “agreeance” was more commonly used in earlier stages of the English language and has since fallen out of favor.

Agreeance vs Agreement: What’s the Difference?

While “agreeance” and “agreement” are technically related, their use in modern English has diverged. “Agreement” is the standard and widely accepted term today. When people want to express mutual consent or shared opinions, they use “agreement” without a second thought. “Agreeance,” on the other hand, is considered archaic and isn’t often found in modern dictionaries or used in everyday conversation.

The difference comes down to more than just preference; it’s about contemporary usage. While “agreeance” might have been used centuries ago, it’s rarely, if ever, employed in today’s formal or professional writing. “Agreement” has become the norm, and for good reason—it’s clearer, simpler, and more accepted in modern language.

Is “Agreeance” a Word?

Correct Usage of “Agreeance”

So, is “agreeance” a real word? Yes, technically, it is. It appears in older dictionaries and was once used to mean the same thing as “agreement.” However, in modern English, it’s considered outdated.

That said, you might still hear people use it. In informal speech, it occasionally sneaks in, especially when people are trying to sound more formal or official. But most grammar experts and dictionaries would recommend steering clear of it. In professional and academic writing, using “agreeance” might be seen as an error or, at best, an old-fashioned choice.

In modern language, “agreement” is the correct and widely recognized term. If you’re writing for a formal audience or aiming for clarity, it’s better to use “agreement” to avoid confusion or the appearance of being out of touch with contemporary grammar rules.

Historical Usage of “Agreeance”

To better understand why “agreeance” has fallen out of favor, let’s take a quick look at its history. The word dates back to Middle English and was used more frequently in the 16th and 17th centuries. Back then, English was still evolving, and many words had multiple forms before settling into their modern versions.

Over time, “agreement” became the dominant form, while “agreeance” started to fade into obscurity. By the 19th century, “agreeance” had largely disappeared from most English texts. You might still find it in older literary works or legal documents, but it has all but vanished from everyday usage.

Obsolete Words in English

The case of “agreeance” is not unique. The English language is filled with words that were once common but have since become obsolete. Take words like “betwixt” (meaning between) or “thou” (an old form of you). These words have fallen out of usage as English has evolved toward more straightforward forms.

“Agreeance” falls into this category of words that were once widely used but are now considered archaic. Its decline reflects the natural progression of language, where simpler and clearer words tend to survive, while more cumbersome or less useful words fade away.

Common Misconceptions: Why People Still Use “Agreeance”

Frequently Misused Words

One reason people still occasionally use “agreeance” is because it sounds like it should be a real word. In fact, it sounds so close to “agreement” that people often use it interchangeably without realizing that it’s fallen out of favor. “Agreeance” has a kind of formal, authoritative ring to it, which might make people feel it’s the correct term in certain situations.

This is part of a broader issue in the English language—frequently misused words. Words like “irregardless” (which should be “regardless”) and “supposably” (instead of “supposedly”) are commonly misused because they sound correct, even though they aren’t. “Agreeance” falls into this category, often popping up in writing or speech simply because it seems like a proper, official-sounding word.

Language Change in the Digital Age

The digital age has further blurred the lines between correct usage and what feels right. With social media, texting, and informal communication becoming the norm, many old words are reappearing or evolving. People are more experimental with language, using terms that may not be strictly “correct” but feel natural in certain contexts.

This might explain why you still hear “agreeance” pop up occasionally. In online forums, social media posts, or casual conversations, people are more likely to use a mix of formal and informal language. This leads to words like “agreeance” resurfacing, even though they are not considered correct by today’s language standards.

Agreement or Agreeance – Which is Correct?

At the end of the day, the answer is clear: “agreement” is the correct term to use in modern English. While “agreeance” technically exists, it’s considered archaic and is not recognized by most contemporary style guides or dictionaries. If you want to sound professional, clear, and grammatically correct, always opt for “agreement.”

The Evolution of Language and Grammar Trends

Evolution of the English Language

To understand why words like “agreeance” come and go, it’s important to grasp how the English language evolves. English, like all living languages, is constantly changing. New words are added, old words fade away, and the meanings of existing words shift over time. This is part of what makes English such a dynamic language, but it also makes it tricky to navigate.

In the case of “agreeance,” its decline is a natural part of this evolution. English speakers gravitate toward words that are easier to understand and use, which is why “agreement” has survived while “agreeance” has faded.

Controversial Grammar Rules

While language evolution is a natural process, it also gives rise to controversial grammar rules and debates. People often hold on to older forms of language or resist changes, leading to confusion over what is “right” or “wrong.” Some grammar rules, like the prohibition against splitting infinitives or ending a sentence with a preposition, are hotly debated but ultimately not as rigid as some might think.

The use of “agreeance” could be considered a controversial point. While many people view it as incorrect or outdated, others argue that language should be flexible and that “agreeance” can still be valid in certain contexts. However, the vast majority of linguists and grammar experts agree that “agreement” is the standard term to use.

Grammar Myths Debunked

In addition to controversial rules, English is filled with grammar myths that persist despite being outdated or misunderstood. For example, you’ve probably heard that you should never start a sentence with “and” or “but.” But in reality, there’s no strict rule against it.

Similarly, while some people might think that “agreeance” sounds more formal or correct, it’s actually an example of how language evolves beyond old forms. Just because a word was used in the past doesn’t mean it’s still appropriate today.

How to Use “Agreeance” in Modern English

Is this word Proper English Today?

So, after all this, you’re probably wondering: Should I ever use the word “agreeance” today? The answer is simple: probably not. While “agreeance” is still technically a word, it’s considered archaic and is rarely used in modern English. Most grammar experts and dictionaries advise against using it.

In professional writing, especially in academic or formal settings, using “agreeance” instead of “agreement” could make your writing seem outdated or even incorrect. In most cases, it’s better to stick with “agreement,” which is the widely accepted term and won’t raise any eyebrows.

How to Use this word in a Sentence

If you were to use “agreeance” in a sentence, it might look something like this:

• The two parties were in agreeance over the terms of the contract.

However, even though this sentence is grammatically correct, it would sound more natural and professional if you used “agreement” instead:

• The two parties were in agreement over the terms of the contract.

As you can see, “agreement” is clearer and more familiar to modern readers.

When to Avoid “Agreeance”

In almost every case, it’s better to avoid using “agreeance.” Whether you’re writing an essay, drafting a business email, or engaging in professional communication, “agreement” is the preferred term. Using “agreeance” might confuse your readers or make your writing seem less polished.

That said, if you’re writing a historical novel or trying to mimic old English for a stylistic reason, you could potentially use “agreeance.” But for everyday writing, it’s best left in the past.

FAQs

Can this word be used in legal documents?

Although “agreeance” was historically used in legal contexts, it is not recommended for modern legal documents. Legal writing generally follows strict guidelines for clarity and precision, and using outdated or archaic terms like “agreeance” may lead to confusion. Instead, it’s always better to use the more accepted term, “agreement,” which is universally recognized and less likely to be misunderstood.

Is this word accepted in different versions of English (e.g., British English or Australian English)?

“Agreeance” is rarely used in any version of modern English, whether British, American, or Australian English. However, in some regional dialects or older texts, you might encounter it. That said, in contemporary usage, “agreement” is the accepted term across all major forms of English. The use of “agreeance” in any form of English today would likely be seen as an outdated or unusual choice.

Has this word ever been part of common speech, or was it always more formal?

“Agreeance” was once a part of both formal and informal speech, but its peak usage was during the 16th and 17th centuries. Over time, it fell out of common speech as “agreement” became the dominant term. Nowadays, it’s primarily found in historical texts and not in modern conversation, making it seem formal or even antiquated when used.

Can this word make a comeback in modern English?

It’s unlikely that “agreeance” will make a significant comeback in modern English. Language changes over time based on usage patterns and cultural preferences, and there’s little demand for “agreeance” since “agreement” serves the same function more efficiently. However, language is constantly evolving, and it’s possible that niche communities or certain linguistic trends could briefly revive its usage in the future.

Are there other words similar to this word that have fallen out of use?

Yes, there are several other words like “agreeance” that have fallen out of modern usage but were once common. For example:

• “Betwixt” (meaning “between”)
• “Thou” (an old form of “you”)
• “Peradventure” (meaning “perhaps”) These words have largely been replaced by simpler, more contemporary terms. Like “agreeance,” they are still recognized in older texts but are rarely used in modern speech or writing.

Conclusion

So, is “agreeance” a proper word in English? The short answer is yes—but it’s not one you should be using. While it has a place in the history of the English language, it’s considered archaic and has been replaced by the more commonly accepted term, “agreement.”

Language is constantly evolving, and just because a word existed in the past doesn’t mean it remains relevant today. In modern English, “agreement” is the word to use when expressing consensus or accord. So, next time you’re tempted to use “agreeance,” remember: sticking with “agreement” is the smarter, more contemporary choice.

In the end, grammar and word choices come down to clarity and communication. If you want your writing to be clear, professional, and easy to understand, using the right words is key. “Agreeance” may sound fancy, but “agreement” will get your message across more effectively—every time.