marriage

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.

“Marriage” is pronounced MA-rihj (/ˈmæɹɪd͡ʒ/ in IPA).

Here is “marriage” used in a sentence: “They celebrated forty years of marriage this summer.”

Words with a similar meaning to “marriage” include matrimony, wedding and civil union.

The opposite of “marriage” — its antonyms — is divorce.

“Marriage” is a noun.

The word “marriage” comes from Latin. From Old French "mariage," ultimately from Latin "maritare," "to give in marriage.".

“Marriage” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

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.

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.

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.