WordGarden.iocovenant
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /kˈʌvənənt/
US
- /ˈkəvənənt/
Meanings
Noun
a formal or legally binding agreement
a sacred agreement between God and people
Verb
to agree or promise formally by covenant
Beyond the definition
A covenant isn't just any agreement; it's a serious, binding promise—often with deep moral or religious significance. Think of ancient stories where people made covenants with gods, promising loyalty in exchange for protection. But you don't need religion for the idea! A homeowners' association has covenants outlining rules residents must follow. It's a commitment that shapes behavior and expectations. You might even say a strong marriage is built on a covenant of love and trust.
Historically, the word comes from the Latin convenire, meaning "to come together." This sense of coming together with serious intent still echoes in its modern usage. A covenant isn't something you break lightly; it's a foundational agreement that carries weight.
A covenant is a solemn and binding agreement, often involving promises, obligations, and consequences. While we use "agreement" or "contract" casually, a covenant implies a deeper level of commitment—frequently with religious, moral, or legal implications.
Historically, covenants were central to the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), representing sacred agreements between God and his people. These weren't just rules; they were foundational relationships defining how life should be lived. Think of God's covenant with Noah after the flood, in which God promised never again to destroy all life on Earth.
However, covenants aren't limited to religious contexts. In legal terms, a restrictive covenant is a clause in a deed that limits what an owner can do with their property—such as prohibiting certain types of buildings or businesses. Homeowners' associations often operate under covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs), which dictate everything from lawn maintenance to paint colors.
Figuratively, you might speak of a "covenant" between two people in a close relationship, signifying a deep-seated commitment to each other. This suggests a bond built on shared values, mutual trust, and unwavering loyalty.
So whether it's a divine promise, a legal restriction, or a deeply personal commitment, a covenant represents an agreement that goes beyond the ordinary—one that shapes lives, defines relationships, and carries significant weight.
Examples
- 1
Lease agreement
The lease included a covenant requiring the tenant to keep the building insured.
- 2
Property restriction
The owner was sued for breaching a covenant that banned business use of the property.
- Phrasebreach a covenant
break a formal legal promise
- 3
Biblical promise
In the Bible, God makes a covenant with Abraham.
- 4
Marriage commitment
For them, marriage was a covenant for life, not just a contract.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- enter into a covenant
- keep a covenant
- break a covenant
- covenant with God
Word family
- covenantal
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- covenantnounverb
Forms
- covenantspluralnounverb
- covenantedpast tenseverbnoun
- covenanting-ing formverbnoun