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

The pope is, among many other things, an American baby boomer who, earlier this summer, referenced in a footnote in a treatise on peace a Dylan lyric so obscure that not even Padgett had ever heard of it. — Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2026

Yet even as her friends and acquaintances came up with abstract theories and set them down in academic treatises, Maria hid her version of economics in storybooks. — Jeanna Smialek, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2026

That treatise dismantled Capra’s life, highlighting his personal and professional hypocrisies, with a focus on his self-serving conduct during the Red Scare, at the expense of his industry colleagues. — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2026

The film’s pick-me jabs at humor are frankly, flatly unfunny and grating, twisting the film at times into a perverse, almost self-aware treatise on tweeness. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 20 Oct. 2026

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

Rhymes for treatise

• fetus
• foetus
• meatus
• thetis
• caritas
• mellitus
• cellulitis
• margaritas
• tonsillitis

Kids Definition

treatise

noun

trea·​tise ˈtrēt-əs 

: a book or article examining a subject carefully and completely