Who is referred to as the promisee in a contract?

In the context of a contract, the promisee is defined as the party who is entitled to receive performance of a promise. This means that the promisee is the individual or entity to whom a promise has been made and who expects the other party (the promisor) to fulfill their obligations as outlined in the contract.

Understanding this role is crucial because it establishes the rights of the promisee in relation to the contract. If the promisor fails to perform according to the agreement, the promisee typically has the right to seek remedies for the breach, such as requesting enforcement of the promise or claiming damages resulting from the non-performance.

The other options reflect different roles within a contract. The party obligated to perform a promise describes the promisor, who is responsible for delivering on the terms of the contract. The individual acting on behalf of a party could refer to an agent or representative, and the party who initiates the contract and proposes its terms may not necessarily be the one entitled to receive performance, as contracts can be formed with multiple parties involved in various capacities. Thus, recognizing the promisee’s role as the recipient of the promise is key to understanding contractual relationships.