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

Apart from its famous Devil portrait (more on that later), the codex contains an entire Bible, other historical texts, an encyclopedia, and medical treatises. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 25 Dec. 2025

Soon after the first war in France broke out, Castellio penned a treatise that was far ahead of its time. —Michael Bruening, The Conversation, 3 Dec. 2025

Part memoir, part reportage, part gossip, part philosophical treatise on Spinoza’s notion of God, Vivian Blaxell’s Worthy of the Event is more than anything a moving and brilliant exploration of trans life since the ’60s, when Blaxell transitioned. —Emma Alpern, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025

The result of the treatise was his being hired by the brand. —Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 29 Nov. 2025

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
• civitas
• cellulitis
• margaritas
• tonsillitis

Kids Definition

treatise

noun

trea·​tise ˈtrēt-əs 

: a book or article examining a subject carefully and completely