AGREED

Definition of AGREED

AGREED Verb and Adjective

Agreed can function both as a verb (the past tense of “agree”) and as an adjective. As a verb, it refers to the action of coming to a mutual understanding or consensus on a particular matter. As an adjective, it is used to describe something that has been accepted, settled, or affirmed through consensus or mutual agreement.

AGREED as a verb

Confirmation of Consensus: In its primary use, agreed functions as a confirmation that individuals or groups have successfully reached an understanding. For instance, when people or organizations agree on a course of action, they might use the term agreed to affirm that the decision has been collectively endorsed. This usage is often found in contexts like meetings, discussions, or negotiations, where consensus or mutual acceptance is necessary. Saying “We agreed to the proposal” confirms that everyone involved in the decision is on the same page.

Formal Agreements: Agreed also plays a significant role in formal and legal contexts, often signifying that a contract, treaty, or deal has been finalized and ratified by the involved parties. When both parties or multiple stakeholders have reached a final decision, they may state that they have agreed to the terms, signaling a commitment to the outlined terms and conditions. For instance, after discussing a business contract, parties may sign a document that reads, “Both parties have agreed to the terms,” meaning that the negotiation has been completed and a mutual understanding is now formalized.

Expressions of Assent in Conversations: In informal conversations, agreed is commonly used to express personal affirmation or acknowledgment of another person’s point of view. For example, if one person expresses an opinion or proposal, another person might respond by saying, “I agreed with you,” signaling their alignment with the idea or sentiment being shared. In this case, agreed serves as a way to demonstrate shared perspective or mutual acceptance, fostering communication and understanding in everyday dialogue.

AGREED as an adjective

As an adjective, agreed describes something that has been confirmed, accepted, or settled through consensus. For instance, when we say “The agreed-upon terms,” we are referring to terms that all parties involved have confirmed and accepted. It highlights that a particular idea, plan, or decision has been mutually acknowledged or approved. Similarly, “an agreed solution” implies that the solution was the result of collaboration or consent from those involved.

Use in Decision-Making: In group or team settings, agreed is often used to mark the conclusion of a decision-making process. When a group of people is discussing a matter and finally reaches a conclusion, they might collectively say they have agreed on the decision. This highlights the collaborative nature of the decision and shows that all participants have contributed to the outcome. For example, a team might say, “We’ve agreed on the marketing strategy,” confirming that all members support the chosen direction.

Use in Legal or Formal Contexts: In legal, contractual, or formal settings, the adjective agreed is often used to signify that something has been formally accepted or decided upon by all parties involved. Phrases such as “the agreed price,” “the agreed schedule,” or “the agreed conditions” emphasize that the terms or conditions have been mutually acknowledged and are now binding. This usage highlights the commitment to a previously established consensus or arrangement.

In conclusion, agreed serves dual purposes as both a verb and an adjective. As a verb, it signifies the action of reaching a consensus or mutual decision. As an adjective, it is used to describe something that has been affirmed, confirmed, or settled through agreement or consent. Whether used to express mutual decision-making or to confirm that terms or conditions have been accepted, agreed plays an essential role in indicating consensus, approval, and resolution.

Examples of AGREED in a sentence

AGREED as a verb in a sentence

• They agreed to work together on the project, sharing responsibilities and resources.
• After lengthy discussions, the board members finally agreed to approve the new budget.
• He agreed to help with the charity event, offering both his time and expertise.
• The couple agreed on a date for their wedding after much deliberation.
• The teachers agreed to implement a new curriculum to improve student engagement.
• After considering all the options, the team agreed that the initial plan was the best course of action.
• The two friends agreed that they would travel together, each planning their own part of the journey.
• She agreed to the terms of the contract, signing it without further hesitation.

AGREED as an adjective in a sentence

• The agreed deadline for the project was fast approaching, and the team was still behind schedule.
• They followed the agreed-upon strategy, ensuring that everyone was on the same page.
• The agreed terms of the contract were fair, satisfying both parties involved.
• The agreed location for the meeting was the conference room on the top floor.
• The agreed price for the car was much lower than he had expected.
• After much negotiation, they finalized the agreed conditions for the partnership.
• The agreed changes to the project plan were implemented immediately, improving efficiency.
• They adhered to the agreed schedule, ensuring that all tasks were completed on time.

Origin of AGREED

The term agreed has an etymology tied to consensus and mutual understanding, reflecting its development from Latin and Old French roots to its modern usage in both formal and informal contexts.

• Etymological Roots: Agreed is the past participle of the verb agree, which comes from the Latin verb agreāre, meaning “to be pleasing, to be in harmony with.” The word passed into Old French as agreer, meaning “to accept, to approve,” and later into Middle English. As a past participle, agreed conveys the sense of having come to a mutual decision, understanding, or consent.
• Historical Development: In its early usage, agreed maintained the same meanings as agree, signifying harmony or alignment in thoughts, feelings, or actions. By the 14th century, agreed began to be used specifically to indicate mutual consent or a decision made by two or more parties. It was common in legal and formal contexts to refer to a decision or understanding that had been reached between parties, particularly in contractual, political, or social situations. By the 16th century, agreed was established as a term used to denote that something had been decided or consented to by all involved parties.
• Cultural and Linguistic Evolution: Over time, agreed became more firmly associated with formal agreements, especially in legal, business, and political contexts. It also expanded to include informal settings, where agreed might simply signify that two people or groups were in agreement on a particular matter. The word was increasingly used to mark consensus in both private conversations and public decisions. Agreed evolved from simply reflecting a state of harmony to signifying that an action or decision had been finalized by mutual consent. The phrase “as agreed” often became a shorthand for referring to previously made decisions or terms, further embedding the term in everyday language.
• Current Usage: Today, agreed is used to indicate that a mutual decision or understanding has been reached. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, such as legal contracts, business arrangements, and personal agreements. Agreed can also be used to express concurrence or confirmation of something that has been proposed or discussed. For instance, individuals may say “I agreed with the plan,” or “We agreed to meet at 5 PM,” indicating that a consensus has been reached. In the business or legal context, agreed is used to formalize the acknowledgment of terms or conditions that have been mutually accepted.

The term agreed has evolved from its Latin origins of harmony and consent to signify a finalized decision or mutual understanding, widely used in both formal and casual settings to indicate concurrence or acceptance of a proposal, idea, or action. Whether used in a contract, a conversation, or a political agreement, agreed remains central in denoting established consensus.