Covenant
Etymology
From Latin “convenire” (to come together, agree), from “con-” (together) plus “venire” (to come), via Old French “covenant” (agreement). It shares its root with “convene” and “convention,” all built on the image of parties coming together. Biblical usage gave it enduring weight as the pledged relationship between God and a people, and law kept it for especially binding promises.
noun · /KUV-uh-nunt/
A solemn, binding agreement, especially one between a people and their god.
What it names
A promise heavier than a contract — a bond framed as sacred and identity-defining.
Example
They spoke of their marriage as a covenant, not a contract — something you don’t recalculate when the terms get hard.
Related idea
A contract is a conditional, enforceable exchange you can exit; a covenant is framed as an unconditional, identity-shaping bond.