(ˈ)än.|tänt, (ˈ)äⁿ|tä(ä)ⁿt noun
( plural ententes -änts, -ä(ä)ⁿt(s))
Etymology: French, literally, understanding, from Old French, intent, effort, understanding, from feminine of entent, past participle of entendre to intend, be attentive, perceive, understand — more at intend
1. : a written or unwritten international understanding or agreement providing for or marked by a common course of action or policy in foreign affairs but usually less definite or formally binding than an alliance
it changes the entente into an alliance, and alliances … are not in accordance with our traditions — Edward Grey
2. : a coalition of parties to an entente
the three powers formed an extremely powerful entente