detente

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'detente' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that refers to a period of improved relations and reduced tensions between two or more countries. Example sentence: The Cold War era saw a period of detente between the United States and the Soviet Union.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is one of the limitations its Iranian detente may soon run into, potentially threatening the cohesiveness of the anti-Isis coalition.

The Guardian - Opinion

Terrified by the knowledge that their nuclear armed missiles could destroy life on either side of the divide, Moscow and Washington sought detente rather than outright war.

The Guardian

The current detente resulted from the election of a reformist leader, Hassan Rouhani, opposing the domestic chaos of his predecessor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

The Guardian - Opinion

For them, detente would be anathema.Hossein Shariatmadari, the influential editor of Keyhan, a conservative newspaper, contrasts the government's unwillingness to disclose details of nuclear negotiations with American loquacity on the subject.

The Economist

The small minority of Iranians who dream of American intervention are the most apathetic of the lot.Since he was elected, Mr Bush has resisted detente in favour of co-operation on specific issues.

The Economist

The Social Democrats had been so deeply attached to the Ostpolitik (German detente with the east) of Chancellor Willy Brandt that they have, since 1990, been slow to adapt to the consequences of communism's collapse.

The Economist

Indeed, it is on Iran's borders that efforts at detente may start.Signals count for much.

The Economist

He will seek to avoid the conspicuous bipartisan chuckles that laid his predecessor low, and may postpone devolved policing, the next test of detente.

The Economist

It is possible that the same mischief-makers, or people who think like them, had a hand in the sea-borne cache of arms, apparently bound for Palestine, that Israel seized last month.It all makes great propaganda for Iran's enemies, in America and Israel, whose expressions of outrage give local hardliners a pretext to bash Mr Khatami's policies of detente.

The Economist

In 1978, when China feared Japan might pursue detente with the Soviet Union, a flotilla of armed Chinese fishing vessels surrounded the islands.

The Economist

JUDGING by the overwhelming vote in June for the more emollient-sounding Hassan Rohani as president and also by a mass of anecdotal evidence, most Iranians yearn for detente with the West, if only to get the economic sanctions that are impoverishing so many of them lifted.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the term "detente", ensure the context clearly indicates a period of relaxed tensions specifically between political entities or nations.

Common error

Avoid mistaking short-term ceasefires or temporary agreements for a genuine, long-term "detente", which implies a sustained effort to improve relations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "detente" is as a noun. It typically refers to a period of reduced tension or improved relations between two or more entities, especially countries. This aligns with Ludwig's analysis and the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "detente" is a noun referring to a period of easing tensions, particularly in international relations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, primarily within news and media, and encyclopedia contexts. While synonyms like "rapprochement" and "easing of tensions" exist, "detente" specifically implies a sustained effort to improve relations. Remember to differentiate it from temporary truces or appeasement and use it accurately to describe periods of genuine diplomatic progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

easing of tensions

This alternative emphasizes the process of reducing strain rather than the resulting state.

rapprochement

This term highlights the act of restoring friendly relations, often after a period of estrangement.

thawing of relations

This phrase uses a metaphor to describe the gradual warming of a previously cold relationship.

reduction of hostilities

This focuses specifically on decreasing acts of conflict or aggression.

peaceful coexistence

This suggests a state where entities live together without major conflict, not necessarily implying improved relations.

diplomatic normalization

This refers to the establishment of standard diplomatic relations, often involving formal agreements.

conflict resolution

This encompasses the broader process of addressing and resolving disputes, not solely focusing on improved relations.

constructive engagement

This emphasizes active and positive interaction to achieve mutual understanding and cooperation.

strategic partnership

This implies a cooperative relationship based on shared interests, which may or may not involve reducing tensions.

dialogue and cooperation

This focuses on communication and collaborative efforts as means of improving relationships.

FAQs

What does the word "detente" mean?

The word "detente" refers to the easing of hostility or strained relations, especially between countries. It signifies a period of improved diplomatic relations and reduced tensions.

How to use "detente" in a sentence?

You can use "detente" in a sentence like this: "The two nations entered a period of "detente" after years of conflict."

What's the difference between ""detente"" and "appeasement"?

"Detente" involves reducing tensions through dialogue and negotiation, while "appeasement" often means conceding to demands to avoid conflict, potentially sacrificing principles or interests.

What are some synonyms for ""detente""?

Synonyms for "detente" include "rapprochement", "easing of tensions", and "thawing of relations", all suggesting improved relations.