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 ancient Romans and Greeks never really wrote treatises about how to lie well. —JSTOR Daily, 16 Oct. 2025

This includes the book Every Child Deserves Straight A’s, a treatise on the three As the Wears Valley Ranch tries to embody for each child: Attention, Authority, and Achievement. —Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025

Thomas Ady, the 17th century author of a skeptical treatise on witchcraft A Candle in the Dark appears to refer to Vincent without naming him directly. —Scott Neuman, NPR, 1 Oct. 2025

The book isn’t a winding memoir or a political treatise, and Harris doesn’t disclose any future plans. —Chris Megerian, Fortune, 19 Sep. 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