betrothal
5 synonyms for betrothal, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A formal agreement or promise between two people to marry in the future; an engagement.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use betrothal
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
announce a betrothal
a betrothal ceremony
Sounds more formal or historical than the everyday word "engagement."
Etymology
From betroth ("to promise in marriage") plus the noun-forming suffix -al, as in "arrival" or "refusal."
Full origin of betrothal →Frequently asked questions
What does “betrothal” mean?
The word “betrothal” means a formal agreement or promise between two people to marry in the future; an engagement. In plain terms, an old-fashioned or formal word for being engaged to be married.
How do you pronounce “betrothal”?
“Betrothal” is pronounced bih-TROH-thuhl (/bɪˈtɹoʊ.ðəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “betrothal” in a sentence?
Here is “betrothal” used in a sentence: “Their betrothal was announced at a family dinner months before the wedding.”
What is another word for “betrothal”?
Words with a similar meaning to “betrothal” include betrothment and affiance.
What part of speech is “betrothal”?
“Betrothal” is a noun.
