marriage
MA-rihj
Marriage (noun) means the legally or socially recognised union of two people as partners in life. Example: “Honesty and patience are important in any long and happy marriage.”
noun
1
The legally or socially recognised union of two people as partners in life.
"Honesty and patience are important in any long and happy marriage."
"They celebrated forty years of marriage this summer."
"The couple's marriage was a small ceremony in the countryside."
2
A close, harmonious combination of two things.
"The festival is a marriage of live music and street food."
"The designer achieved a marriage of comfort and style in the new chair."
"The dish was a perfect marriage of sweet and savoury flavours."
How to use marriage
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe union between partners recognised by law, custom, or religion, or figuratively, a close blend of two things.
Common pairings
a happy marriage
get married
a marriage of convenience
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Word forms
- Plural
- marriages
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Honesty and patience are important in any long and happy _____.
Etymology
From Old French "mariage," ultimately from Latin "maritare," "to give in marriage."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for marriage
See all rhymes for marriage →Frequently asked questions
What does “marriage” mean?
The word “marriage” means the legally or socially recognised union of two people as partners in life. In plain terms, the union between partners recognised by law, custom, or religion, or figuratively, a close blend of two things.
How do you pronounce “marriage”?
“Marriage” is pronounced MA-rihj (/ˈmæɹɪd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “marriage” in a sentence?
Here is “marriage” used in a sentence: “They celebrated forty years of marriage this summer.”
What is another word for “marriage”?
Words with a similar meaning to “marriage” include matrimony, wedding and civil union.
What is the opposite of “marriage”?
The opposite of “marriage” — its antonyms — is divorce.
What part of speech is “marriage”?
“Marriage” is a noun.
Where does the word “marriage” come from?
The word “marriage” comes from Latin. From Old French "mariage," ultimately from Latin "maritare," "to give in marriage.".
Is “marriage” a common word?
“Marriage” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between marriage and a wedding?
A wedding is the ceremony — the single event where two people are joined, with vows, guests, and celebration. Marriage is the lasting relationship and legal status that follows, continuing for years or a lifetime. Put simply, the wedding is the day; the marriage is everything that comes after it.
What is the difference between marriage and a civil partnership?
Both are legally recognised unions with similar rights, but they differ in form and history. A civil partnership, available in the UK, is registered without the vows or religious element a marriage may involve. Marriage carries longstanding social and often religious meaning, and is recognised more widely around the world than civil partnership.
Is marriage a legal or religious institution?
It can be either or both. A marriage may be a purely civil, legal contract registered with the state, giving couples defined rights and duties. It may also be a religious sacrament conducted within a faith. Many weddings combine the two, with a ceremony that is at once spiritual and legally binding.
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