noun
betrothal
bih-TROH-thuhl
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.”
noun
1
A formal agreement or promise between two people to marry in the future; an engagement.
"Their betrothal was announced at a family dinner months before the wedding."
"In some cultures, a betrothal is arranged by the families rather than the couple themselves."
How to use betrothal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old-fashioned or formal word for being engaged to be married.
When to use it
Sounds more formal or historical than the everyday word "engagement."
Common pairings
announce a betrothal
a betrothal ceremony
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Word forms
- Plural
- betrothals
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."
Related words
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.
