betrothal
Betrothal (noun) means a formal agreement or promise between two people to marry in the future; an engagement. Example: “Their betrothal was announced at a family dinner months before the wedding.”
How to use betrothal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old-fashioned or formal word for being engaged to be married.
Sounds more formal or historical than the everyday word "engagement."
Word forms
betrothals plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Their _____ was announced at a family dinner months before the wedding.
Etymology
From betroth ("to promise in marriage") plus the noun-forming suffix -al, as in "arrival" or "refusal."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for betrothal
See all rhymes for 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.