treatise

noun

trea·​tise ˈtrē-təs 

 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

Such is the world in which Amy Berryman’s intelligent and compassionate climate-disaster drama — named for Thoreau’s treatise (though not, as the title might suggest, an adaptation of it) and now receiving its New York premiere under Whitney White’s graceful direction at Second Stage — takes place. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024

Such would-be scientific treatises in fact functioned more like manifestos, and decisively influenced Eliot and Ezra Pound’s generation to favor a poetics of the objective sensuous image over one of the dramatic declamatory mood. —Benjamin Kunkel, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024

For many years, historians knew of only ten first-edition copies of Niccolò Machiavelli’s The Prince—the controversial 16th-century political treatise—all held by institutions. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Nov. 2024

Upon release, the album immediately dominated the new cycle, with Lamar’s latest record simultaneously serving as a love letter to West Coast hip-hop, a treatise on integrity, hypocrisy and celebrity, and a victory rap for his ruthless 2024. —Michael Saponara, Billboard, 25 Nov. 2024

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

Kids Definition

treatise

noun

trea·​tise ˈtrēt-əs 

: a book or article examining a subject carefully and completely