What kind of agreement is a contract?

A contract is fundamentally defined as a legally enforceable agreement between parties. This definition establishes that for a contract to exist, it must include certain elements such as offer, acceptance, consideration, and the intention to create a legal relationship. The enforceability aspect is crucial; it means that if one party fails to fulfill their obligations under the contract, the other party has the right to seek legal recourse. This characteristic differentiates contracts from informal agreements or suggestions, which may lack the elements necessary for legal enforceability. Contracts are key components in various legal and business transactions, providing protection and clarity to the parties involved by outlining their rights and responsibilities clearly.