Definition

1. Noun:

   • A formal, solemn, and binding agreement or promise: A covenant is a serious and often legally enforceable agreement between two or more parties, where each side makes specific commitments.
   • A formal written contract or deed: In legal contexts, a covenant refers to a specific clause or promise within a formal written contract, such as a property deed.
   • (Theology) A divine promise: In religious contexts, particularly in the Bible, a covenant is a sacred agreement between God and humanity or a specific group, involving mutual promises and obligations.

2. Verb:

   • To enter into a formal and binding agreement: To make a solemn promise or contract, often in writing.
   • To pledge or promise formally: To bind oneself or another by a covenant.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The two companies signed a covenant not to compete in the same market.
  • The property deed includes a restrictive covenant about the type of buildings allowed.
  • In the Old Testament, God made a covenant with Abraham and his descendants.

• Verb:

  • The tribes covenanted to support each other in times of war.
  • They covenanted with the developer to complete the project within two years.

Advanced Usage

• "To be in covenant with": To be bound by a formal agreement with someone.

  • The nations were in covenant with each other for mutual defense.

• "Breach of covenant": The act of breaking the terms of a formal agreement, which can lead to legal consequences.

  • The landlord sued the tenant for breach of covenant regarding property maintenance.

Variants and Related Words

• Covenantal (adj): Relating to or of the nature of a covenant.

  • The covenantal relationship between the king and his vassals was complex.

• Covenantee (n): The person to whom a promise in a covenant is made.

• Covenantor (n): The person who makes a promise in a covenant.

Synonyms

• Noun: Pact, treaty, contract, compact, agreement, pledge.
• Verb: Contract, pledge, promise, agree, undertake.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

(Note: "Covenant" is not typically used with particles to form standard phrasal verbs. Its verbal use is more formal and direct.) - Covenant for: To formally promise or agree to provide something. - The donor covenanted for an annual gift to the charity.

Related Idioms

• Ark of the Covenant: (Biblical) The sacred chest representing God's covenant with the Israelites.
• Solemn covenant: A particularly serious and binding agreement.
  • The marriage vows are a solemn covenant between two people.

Noun

1. (Bible) an agreement between God and his people in which God makes certain promises and requires certain behavior from them in return
2. a signed written agreement between two or more parties (nations) to perform some action

Verb

1. enter into a covenant or formal agreement
   • They covenanted with Judas for 30 pieces of silver
   • The nations covenanted to fight terrorism around the world
2. enter into a covenant