The word "truce" is spelled with five letters and is pronounced /truːs/ (troos) in IPA phonetic transcription. The /t/ sound at the beginning is voiceless and aspirated, while the /r/ sound is a tapped or rolled ‘r’. The /uː/ sound is a long ‘oo’ sound and is followed by a /s/ sound, which is voiceless and unvoiced. This word refers to a temporary cessation of hostilities between two opposing sides during a conflict or war.
A truce is a temporary cessation or pause in hostilities between conflicting parties. It is a formal agreement or understanding established to halt or reduce armed conflict or disagreement for a specific period of time. Often mutual in nature, a truce enables opposing sides to disengage from combat or animosity and enter into a period of peace. The purpose of a truce is to create a respite from violence, allowing the parties involved to reevaluate their positions, negotiate a resolution, or simply take a break to bury the dead and tend to wounded soldiers.
Truces can be established in various contexts, such as between nations engaged in warfare or between individuals involved in personal disputes. They may be initiated directly by the parties involved or mediated by a neutral third party. Conditions and limitations of a truce are generally outlined in a formal agreement, which can include the delineation of specific boundaries, rules of disengagement, and the duration of the truce.
Although a truce implies a temporary halt to hostility, it does not necessarily indicate a resolution to the underlying conflict. While some truces may lead to lasting peace agreements, others may only serve as a temporary break or a stepping stone towards further negotiations or escalation.
In summary, a truce is a formal agreement or understanding that brings a temporary pause in hostilities between conflicting parties, providing an opportunity for evaluation, negotiation, or respite.
A temporary peace or suspension of hostilities agreed upon by contending forces or states; cessation; short quiet.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "truce" originated from the Old English term "treowþe", which can be traced back to the Old Norse word "traust" meaning "confidence" or "trust". In Old English, "treowþe" referred to a pact or agreement that was founded on trust and confidence between warring parties to halt or suspend hostilities temporarily. Over time, this term evolved into the modern English word "truce", which continues to denote a temporary cessation of fighting or hostility between conflicting parties.