synallagmatic
Definition
- Adjective:
- Mutually binding: "synallagmatic" refers to a contract or agreement that imposes reciprocal obligations on both parties involved. Each party is both a promisor and a promisee, meaning each is bound to perform an act or service in exchange for the other's performance.
- Legal context: In law, this term is used specifically to describe bilateral contracts where the duties and rights of both sides are interdependent.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- The lease agreement is synallagmatic, requiring the tenant to pay rent and the landlord to maintain the property. (Both parties have mutual duties.)
- A synallagmatic contract cannot be enforced if one party fails to perform their part. (The obligations are reciprocal.)
Advanced Usage
"synallagmatic obligation": a legal duty that is reciprocal and conditional on the other party's performance.
- In a synallagmatic obligation, the seller's duty to deliver goods depends on the buyer's payment. (Each duty is linked to the other.)
"synallagmatic relationship": a relationship characterized by mutual exchange of benefits or services.
- Marriage is often considered a synallagmatic relationship in legal theory, involving reciprocal duties of support and care. (Both spouses have mutual obligations.)
Variants and Related Words
- Synallagmatically (adverb): in a manner involving reciprocal obligations.
- The parties agreed synallagmatically to share profits and losses. (They bound each other mutually.)
Synonyms
- Bilateral: involving two parties with mutual obligations.
- Reciprocal: given or felt by each toward the other.
Antonyms
- Unilateral: involving only one party's obligation.
Related Idioms
- "A two-way street": a situation requiring effort or exchange from both sides.
- Business partnerships are a two-way street; they are synallagmatic in nature. (Both parties must contribute.)
Phrasal Verbs
- None directly applicable, as "synallagmatic" is a formal, legal adjective and does not form phrasal verbs.