terms
terms — verb
1. to give a person or thing a particular name or description, especially in a form
to give a person or thing a particular name or description, especially in a formal or official context — for example, terming a policy a failure or terming someone a genius
The project was termed a complete success by the board of directors.
passive: termed + noun complement
Arjun termed his rival's remarks utterly irrelevant during the debate.
active: term + noun + adjective complement
Local residents termed the new stadium an unnecessary waste of public money.
Élise termed the agreement a major step forward for both companies.
active: term + noun + noun phrase complement
The film has been termed a masterpiece of modern cinema by international critics.
passive present perfect: has been termed + noun complement
- termed a success / failure
- termed unacceptable / irrelevant / inappropriate
- termed a masterpiece / disaster
- termed an agreement / arrangement / policy
- call
more common and less formal; used in everyday speech
- label
often suggests a fixed or oversimplified classification, sometimes unfairly
- designate
more official, typically used for naming roles, positions, or categories
- describe as
emphasises the act of explaining rather than naming; requires 'as'
Grammar Patterns
term + noun + adjective/noun complement
be termed + adjective/noun complement
Usage Note
Frequently passive; the complement after the object must be an adjective or noun phrase that expresses a classification or opinion. In everyday conversation, call or name is preferred over term.
Common Mistakes
terms — noun
1. The specific rules, requirements, and promises that each side must follow when t
The specific rules, requirements, and promises that each side must follow when two or more people or organisations make a formal agreement with each other.
Before signing the lease, Lien read every term of the rental agreement.
The contract clearly states the terms of payment between the two companies.
the terms of [something] — formal agreement phrasing
Under the terms of the treaty, all prisoners must be released within thirty days.
under the terms of [document] — common legal pattern
Nkechi's lawyer told her to read the small-print terms before signing anything.
Both sides failed to agree on the terms for ending the conflict.
- terms of the agreement
- terms of the contract
- under the terms of
- negotiate the terms
- set out the terms
- breach of terms
- conditions
broader and less formal; can apply to any situation, not just legal agreements
- provisions
more formal; specifically refers to written clauses in a legal document
- stipulations
very formal; emphasises that something is demanded as part of the agreement
Grammar Patterns
the terms of [document/agreement]
under the terms of [document]
Usage Note
Usually used in the plural form 'terms'. The singular 'term' exists but is rare in this sense and usually refers to a single clause within a contract.
Common Mistakes
2. The agreed price, cost, or method of paying for something, including the schedul
The agreed price, cost, or method of paying for something, including the schedule, interest charges, and any special conditions involved in the purchase.
The car dealer offered Yan easy payment terms of twelve monthly instalments.
payment terms — common business collocation
We bought the sofa on very reasonable terms with no interest for two years.
Rafael asked about the loan terms before signing any paperwork.
The store's credit terms let customers pay over six months without extra fees.
credit terms — retail payment collocation
Wren accepted the job because the salary terms were better than her last position.
- payment terms
- credit terms
- easy terms
- reasonable terms
- loan terms
- salary terms
- on ... terms
- conditions
more general; covers the whole arrangement, not just money
- rates
focuses specifically on the price or interest charged, not the full arrangement
Grammar Patterns
on [adjective] terms
payment terms
credit terms
terms of sale
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 1 (AGREEMENT CONDITIONS): sense 1 refers to all conditions of an agreement, while sense 2 focuses specifically on price, cost, and payment schedule. Common in shopping, banking, and employment contexts.
Common Mistakes
3. The particular choice of words or style that someone uses when talking or writin
The particular choice of words or style that someone uses when talking or writing about something, showing their attitude or making their meaning clear.
The manager described the budget cuts in very clear terms so everyone understood.
in [adjective] terms — expression pattern for describing style of speech
Nikos criticised the decision in the strongest possible terms.
in the strongest possible terms — fixed expression
The report was written in technical terms that most readers could not follow.
Layla expressed her anger in terms that left no room for doubt.
A good teacher explains difficult ideas in simple terms.
- in simple terms
- in clear terms
- in strong terms
- in practical terms
- in technical terms
- in general terms
- in no uncertain terms
Grammar Patterns
in [adjective] terms
in the strongest terms
in simple terms
in practical terms
Usage Note
Always appears in the pattern 'in [adjective] terms' or 'in [determiner] terms'. The adjective describes the quality of the language used (clear, strong, simple, technical, emotional). A related use is to give someone a specific label: 'in those exact terms', 'called a genius in those terms' — this still follows the same pattern but assigns a label to a person rather than describing a style of speech.
Common Mistakes
4. The general state of how two people or groups get along with each other, describ
The general state of how two people or groups get along with each other, described by an adjective that shows whether the relationship is close, distant, friendly, or hostile.
Tamar has always been on good terms with her neighbours.
on good terms — most common fixed phrase for relationships
The two families remained on friendly terms despite their political differences.
Reema and her cousin are on excellent terms and visit each other often.
The company stayed on bad terms with its main supplier for several years.
The Watanabe family and their neighbours have always been on close terms.
- on good terms with
- on bad terms with
- on friendly terms with
- on speaking terms with
- on close terms with
- on equal terms
- relationship
more general noun; 'terms' is more about the current state of the connection rather than its history or depth
- footing
more formal; often used to describe professional or social standing with someone
Grammar Patterns
be on [adjective] terms with [someone]
keep on [adjective] terms
Usage Note
Frequently paired with the preposition 'with' to specify who the relationship is with. The adjective before 'terms' determines the quality of the relationship: good, bad, friendly, close, civil, speaking, equal.
Common Mistakes
5. A willingness or refusal to be polite and friendly toward someone after a disagr
A willingness or refusal to be polite and friendly toward someone after a disagreement, conflict, or period of silence between them.
Christopher is not on speaking terms with his sister after their bitter argument.
not on speaking terms — fixed expression for post-argument refusal
Anthony hopes to get back on good terms with his former business partner.
get back on good terms — showing desire for reconciliation
After months of silence, the two neighbours agreed to be on civil terms again.
The children agreed to stay on friendly terms for the rest of the trip.
- on speaking terms
- on civil terms
- back on good terms
- on friendly terms again
- reconciled
more formal and stronger; implies the conflict is fully resolved, not just that people are being polite
- civil
describes polite but distant behaviour, less warm than 'on good terms'
- at odds
indicates active disagreement rather than just distance after a conflict
Grammar Patterns
be (not) on speaking terms
get back on [adjective] terms with [someone]
Usage Note
Closely related to sense 4 (RELATIONSHIP), but sense 5 specifically describes the effort or willingness to re-establish a relationship after conflict. Often appears in negative constructions ('not on speaking terms') or with 'back' ('back on good terms').
Common Mistakes
6. To finally reach a shared understanding or settlement after a period of discussi
To finally reach a shared understanding or settlement after a period of discussion, argument, or disagreement with someone.
After weeks of negotiation, the union and the management came to terms.
came to terms — fixed phrase for reaching agreement
The two countries finally came to terms on a new trade agreement.
Jason and his former partner came to terms and split the profits equally.
It took several meetings for the committee to come to terms about the new policy.
- come to terms
- come to terms on
- come to terms with someone
- finally come to terms
- manage to come to terms
- reach an agreement
more formal and explicit; 'come to terms' is slightly more informal and implies the agreement was reached after difficulty
- settle
shorter and can be used for both agreements and disputes; 'come to terms' focuses on the mutual decision
- disagree
the opposite; 'come to terms' implies the disagreement has been resolved
Grammar Patterns
come to terms (with [someone]) (on/about [something])
Usage Note
Distinguish from 'come to terms with' (sense 7, in noun_b2 chunk): sense 6 means reaching a mutual agreement with someone else ('come to terms with someone'), while 'come to terms with' (sense 7) means accepting an unpleasant situation emotionally.
Common Mistakes
7. to slowly reach a point where a painful reality no longer overwhelms you and you
to slowly reach a point where a painful reality no longer overwhelms you and you can move forward in your life
After months of grief counseling, Aoi finally came to terms with her grandmother's death.
come to terms with + noun phrase expressing loss
Dr. Okafor told us we must come to terms with a disease that has no cure.
come to terms with + the fact that + clause
The Watanabe family had to come to terms with losing their home in the earthquake.
Gabriel slowly came to terms with the idea that he would never walk after the crash.
The company is still coming to terms with the financial damage caused by the flood.
come to terms with + inanimate subject (company/organization)
- come to terms with
- accept
more general; lack's 'come to terms' emotional processing component
- come to grips with
more informal, often implies a struggle
- deny
refusing to accept reality
Grammar Patterns
come to terms with + noun phrase / gerund
Usage Note
Always used in the fixed phrase 'come to terms with'. The object is typically a difficult situation, a loss, a change, or an unpleasant fact. Cannot be used as a standalone plural noun 'terms' in this sense.
Common Mistakes
8. a phrase made of two terms whose core ideas clash, making the expression logical
a phrase made of two terms whose core ideas clash, making the expression logically impossible to be true
'Militant pacifist' sounds like a contradiction in terms to most people.
noun + noun as a contradiction in terms
Some students argued that 'jumbo shrimp' is a contradiction in terms, since shrimp suggests something small.
In the philosophy lecture, the idea of a 'compulsory choice' was called a clear contradiction in terms.
To Aunt Rosa, the phrase 'silent party' seemed like a ridiculous contradiction in terms.
collocation: a [adjective] contradiction in terms
'Business ethics' is not a contradiction in terms, the visiting professor insisted at the forum.
- contradiction in terms
Grammar Patterns
a contradiction in terms
Usage Note
Always appears in the fixed phrase 'a contradiction in terms'. The two words combined must create a logical paradox, not merely an unusual or surprising pairing.
Common Mistakes
9. in a direct, forceful, and completely clear way — especially when expressing dis
in a direct, forceful, and completely clear way — especially when expressing disapproval, giving an order, or making a firm statement
The landlord warned the tenants in no uncertain terms that smoking was banned inside the building.
warn + in no uncertain terms + that-clause
Dr. Kim told the patient in no uncertain terms to stop eating sugar and fried food at once.
The manager stated in no uncertain terms that the company would not tolerate discrimination.
Élise's father informed her in no uncertain terms that she must be home before midnight.
inform + in no uncertain terms
The critics described the film in no uncertain terms as a complete waste of time and talent.
- in no uncertain terms
- unequivocally
more formal; also means 'clearly and without doubt'
- bluntly
similar force, but blunter implies rudeness; 'in no uncertain terms' can be firm but polite
Grammar Patterns
tell / inform / warn + someone + in no uncertain terms + that-clause
Usage Note
Always used in the fixed expression 'in no uncertain terms'. Most common with verbs of telling, warning, criticizing, or ordering. The double negative structure adds emphasis. Not used for polite or neutral messages.
Common Mistakes
10. used to specify which particular area or viewpoint you are considering when disc
used to specify which particular area or viewpoint you are considering when discussing a subject
The new phone is excellent in terms of battery life but disappointing in terms of camera quality.
in terms of + aspect (battery life, camera quality)
In terms of safety, the Okonkwo family chose a neighbourhood with low crime and good lighting.
This year's sales look good in terms of total revenue, though profits have stayed flat.
The two universities are quite different in terms of tuition fees, class size, and campus culture.
in terms of + multiple aspects
In terms of cultural influence, few musicians have shaped pop music as deeply as Aretha Franklin.
- in terms of
- with regard to
more formal; similar meaning of specifying an aspect
- regarding
simpler and more direct; does not need 'of' after it
Grammar Patterns
in terms of + noun phrase
Usage Note
Used to introduce the specific aspect or viewpoint being discussed. Must always be followed by a noun phrase. Very common in academic writing, business reports, and analytical discussions. Can appear at the beginning or middle of a sentence.
Common Mistakes
11. enjoying the same opportunities or levels of treatment as others, so that no ind
enjoying the same opportunities or levels of treatment as others, so that no individual or side receives better conditions
The new policy ensures that all employees are hired on equal terms regardless of their background.
on equal terms + verb 'hire' + passive
Small shops struggle to compete on the same terms as large stores with much bigger budgets.
Students from both regions competed on equal terms at the national science fair.
After years of talks, both nations finally agreed to trade on equal terms with no special taxes.
on equal terms with + noun phrase
The scholarship helps girls from rural areas study on the same terms as boys in city schools.
- on equal terms
- on the same terms
- on a level playing field
more informal; same idea of fair competition
- fairly
simpler adverb; less specific about the comparative dimension
- unfairly
without equal treatment or conditions
Grammar Patterns
on equal / same terms + (with + noun phrase)
Usage Note
Often used in contexts of fairness, competition, rights, or negotiation. 'On the same terms' is slightly more general than 'on equal terms'; 'on equal terms' emphasises fairness. Always plural — 'terms' cannot be 'term' in this phrase.
Common Mistakes
12. in a way that follows the conditions or rules that you choose for yourself, rath
in a way that follows the conditions or rules that you choose for yourself, rather than accepting what others decide
After thirty years in banking, Grandpa retired on his own terms and moved to a fishing village.
on + possessive + own terms (his)
Nadia wanted to end the relationship on her own terms rather than wait to be abandoned.
The artist insisted on selling her work on her own terms and refused to join any gallery.
Dr. Chang schedules his operations on his own terms and will not follow the hospital's rigid timetable.
on + possessive + own terms + verb of autonomy
The rebel leader surrendered on his own terms, securing safety for everyone in his group.
- on your own terms
- on one's own conditions
less common; same meaning but more formal
- independently
adverb form; captures the autonomy but not the condition-setting aspect
Grammar Patterns
on + possessive + own terms
Usage Note
Expresses autonomy and personal choice. The possessive pronoun changes to match the subject: my, your, his, her, its, our, their. Always plural — 'terms' cannot be 'term' in this phrase.
Common Mistakes
To have a particular type of relationship with someone.
Mia is on friendly terms with her new neighbor.
Are you on good terms with your coworkers?
To be willing to talk to someone politely, especially after a disagreement.
After the argument, they are not on speaking terms.
Is Tom speaking to his brother yet?
To reach an agreement with someone after discussion.
The two companies finally came to terms on the deal.
Have you come to terms with your landlord about the rent?
To accept a difficult or unpleasant situation and learn to deal with it.
Sara is still coming to terms with her father's death.
It took him years to come to terms with his failure.
A phrase that combines two words that seem to oppose each other.
A 'jumbo shrimp' is a contradiction in terms.
The phrase 'deafening silence' is a contradiction in terms.
In a very clear and strong way, leaving no doubt.
The boss told him in no uncertain terms to improve his work.
She expressed her anger in no uncertain terms.
Used to specify which aspect of a subject you are considering.
In terms of cost, this option is cheaper.
The movie is great in terms of special effects.
Having the same advantages and disadvantages as someone else.
Small businesses cannot compete on equal terms with large corporations.
The new rules put all players on equal terms.
According to the conditions that you or someone else decides.
She wants to live her life on her own terms.
He refused to accept the job on the company's terms.
terms — idiom
1. used in the fixed constructions 'under the terms of' or 'by the terms of' to ref
used in the fixed constructions 'under the terms of' or 'by the terms of' to refer to the specific promises and conditions written into a legal agreement that each side must obey
Under the terms of the lease, Niran must pay rent by the first day of each month.
under the terms of + lease — fixed prepositional construction
By the terms of the settlement, the company must pay Nora five thousand dollars.
by the terms of + settlement — fixed prepositional construction
Under the terms of the contract, Ezra must finish the work by June.
prepositional phrase: under the terms of [something]
Under the terms of the will, Folake inherited her grandmother's house and its furniture.
under the terms of + will — fixed construction
By the terms of the trade deal, both countries will remove taxes on farm products.
by the terms of + trade deal — fixed construction
- agree on terms
- accept terms
- set the terms
- negotiate terms
- under the terms of
- conditions
more general; 'terms' is more specific to agreements and contracts
- provisions
more formal, used in legal writing about contracts or laws
Grammar Patterns
under the terms of [document/agreement]
by the terms of [document]
Usage Note
Used only in the fixed constructions 'under the terms of' and 'by the terms of' followed by a document name (contract, treaty, lease, will). This idiom points back to the specific written conditions in that document, rather than describing the conditions themselves — that meaning belongs to noun sense 1 (AGREEMENT CONDITIONS).
Common Mistakes
Word family
- termnounB1
- termverbB2
- termedverbB2
- termingverbC1
- long-termadjectiveB1
- short-termadjectiveB1
- terminologynounC1
Synonym discussion
Sense: noun/1
All four words refer to elements of an agreement, but they differ in scope and context. 'Terms' (noun/1) is the broadest word, covering the entire set of rules and promises each side agrees to — it is the everyday word for contract conditions. 'Condition' is more general still; it can apply to any requirement ('a condition of entry') and is slightly less formal. 'Stipulation' is more formal and emphasises that something is explicitly demanded or insisted upon as part of the deal — a stipulation feels like a non-negotiable point. 'Provision' is used in formal or legal writing for a specific clause or section within a document that states a rule or arrangement. 'Clause' is the most concrete: it refers to a numbered or lettered paragraph within a written contract ('Clause 4 of the lease'). In practice: 'The terms of the contract include a non-compete clause; one provision forbids working for competitors, and a key stipulation is that this lasts three years.'
Common collocations
Phrases
- in terms of
- come to terms with
- in no uncertain terms
- on equal terms
- on speaking terms
- on good terms / on bad terms
- on your own terms
- a contradiction in terms
- under the terms of
Etymology
The word 'term' comes from Latin 'terminus', meaning a boundary, limit, or end-point. In Roman times a 'terminus' was a boundary marker stone that showed where one person's land ended and another's began. The sense of a fixed boundary led to the idea of a fixed period of time (a 'term' of office) and, later, to the idea of a limit or condition set within an agreement ('terms of a contract'). Meanwhile, in logic and rhetoric, 'terminus' came to mean the word or expression that marks the boundary of a concept — hence the modern meaning of a 'term' as a word or phrase with a precise meaning. The word passed through Old French 'terme' into Middle English, where by the 13th century it already carried both the temporal sense ('a set period') and the contractual sense ('a condition'). Many modern fixed phrases — such as 'come to terms with' and 'in terms of' — preserve the original idea of reaching a boundary or limit in negotiations or understanding.