treatise

noun

trea·​tise ˈtrē-təs How to pronounce treatise (audio)
 also  -təz
1
: a systematic exposition or argument in writing including a methodical discussion of the facts and principles involved and conclusions reached
a treatise on higher education
2
obsolete : account, tale

Examples of treatise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Take a look at this excerpt from a paper released by Anthropic, which is actually an academic treatise written by a number of authors. John Werner, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 In 1689, Locke examined natural rights in the second treatise of Two Treatises on Government, but his first treatise established the full meaning of those rights. Time, 1 July 2025 Where are the many monographs on green and yellow, the treatises on more esoteric shades like violet or tangerine? Amanda Fortini, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025 Throughout that first treatise, Locke excoriated the divine right of kings. Time, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for treatise

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tretis, from Anglo-French tretiz, alteration of tretez, traitet, from Medieval Latin tractatus, from Latin tractare to treat, handle

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of treatise was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Treatise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/treatise. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

treatise

noun
trea·​tise ˈtrēt-əs How to pronounce treatise (audio)
: a book or article examining a subject carefully and completely

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