novation

novation — noun

1. a legal process in which one financial or contractual duty is replaced by a diff

1.名詞C1
釋義

a legal process in which one financial or contractual duty is replaced by a different one, so that the original duty ends and the new one takes effect — often between the same parties

例句

The construction firm signed a novation to replace its loan with a new payment plan.

replace its bank loan with a new payment plan

Landlord and tenant used a novation to change monthly rent to a yearly payment.

同義詞
  • substitution

    less formal and not limited to legal contexts; novation is the specific legal term for replacing an obligation

  • replacement

    a general word; novation carries additional legal weight and requires mutual consent

反義詞
  • breach

    breaking an obligation instead of replacing it by agreement

文法句型

novation + of + noun

novation + between + noun

用法筆記

Typically appears in formal legal and financial documents. Distinguish from Sense 2: Sense 1 focuses on replacing the obligation itself, while Sense 2 focuses on replacing a party to the contract.

常見錯誤

The company used a novation to assign its rights to another firm.
The company used an assignment to transfer only its rights.
💡Novation transfers both rights AND duties with all parties' consent; assignment transfers rights only.
The parties signed a novation to change the interest rate.
The parties signed an amendment to change the interest rate.
💡An amendment changes specific terms; a novation replaces the entire obligation.

2. a legal arrangement in which all participants in a contract consent to substitut

2.名詞C2
釋義

a legal arrangement in which all participants in a contract consent to substitute an existing member with a different person or company, so that the new member assumes every right and duty

例句

Rafael agreed to a novation letting the new buyer take over his supply contract.

new buyer take over his contract

The bank approved a novation that replaced the original borrower with a more creditworthy company.

同義詞

文法句型

novation + between + parties

novation + of + contract

用法筆記

Frequently involves three parties: the original party being replaced, the new party, and the remaining party who must give consent. The key difference from assignment is that novation transfers obligations (duties), not just rights.

常見錯誤

The company transferred its contract to a new partner by assignment.
The company transferred its contract to a new partner by novation.
💡Assignment transfers only rights; novation transfers both rights and duties and requires the other party's agreement.