Meaning & use
covenant
Last updated
Meanings
nouncountableformal
A solemn agreement in which each side makes binding promises.
Grammar: Countable; often covenant between parties or covenant to do something. It is weightier than an ordinary deal.
Patterns
- a covenant between A and B
- enter into a covenant
- a covenant to do something
The two communities signed a covenant to share water during droughts.
They entered into a covenant promising honesty in the audit.
nouncountablelegallawbusiness
A formal clause in a deed or contract that limits or requires certain use or action.
Grammar: Countable; common in property and finance documents. It binds future owners too, unlike a casual promise.
Patterns
- breach a covenant
- a restrictive covenant
- a loan covenant
The loan covenant bars the company from taking new debt.
A restrictive covenant prevents building within five metres of the road.
nouncountablereligion
A sacred promise or relationship between God and people in religious tradition.
Grammar: Countable; often the covenant. It suggests divine promise and obligation rather than a negotiable contract.
Patterns
- the covenant with God
- keep the covenant
- a new covenant
The sermon described the covenant between God and Israel.
In the story, keeping the covenant requires justice and mercy.
Word forms
| plural | covenants |
|---|
Common combinations
- enter into a covenant
- Neighbours entered into a covenant to maintain the shared lane.
- breach a covenant
- Missing the payment would breach the covenant.
- restrictive covenant
- A restrictive covenant protects the old facade.
- covenant between God and humanity
- The chapter traces a covenant between God and humanity.
Synonyms and how they differ
- pact
- Shorter and less solemn; covenant often sounds older, religious, or legally binding.
- treaty
- Used between states or organizations; covenant can also be private or religious.
- contract
- Commercial and enforceable by courts; covenant adds solemn promise or a specific legal clause.
- compact
- Formal and close to covenant, but less common in modern everyday English.
Commonly confused: covenant or convent?
covenant vs convent
A convent is a religious women’s residence; covenant is an agreement or binding promise.
Practice
Which context most needs the word covenant rather than contract?
Choose one answer.
Covenant fits solemn, often religious binding promises. Gym memberships and casual calls are ordinary contracts or promises; covenant would sound too grand.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “covenant”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.