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How to Say Marriage: Pronunciation, Definition

Explore how to pronounce marriage, its meaning, origin, synonyms, and common phrases in our in-depth guide.

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How to Pronounce Marriage

Pronunciation of Marriage

Syllable Breakdown: The word "marriage" has two syllables: "mar" and "riage".
First Syllable "mar": Start with the /m/ sound as in "man". The vowel sound is /æ/ as in "cat" followed by the /r/ sound. It sounds like "mahr" (said quickly, without drawing it out).
Second Syllable "riage": Begin with the short vowel /ɪ/ as in "sit". End with the /dʒ/ sound, which is the same as in "judge". Together, it sounds like "rij".
Combined Pronunciation: Put the two syllables together to say "mar-ij", with the stress on the first syllable. Make sure the /dʒ/ sound in "riage" is clear and crisp.
Practice Tip: Say the first syllable "mar" clearly, then follow it quickly with "ij". Repeating slowly will help the sounds merge smoothly.

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What Does Marriage Mean

Understanding Marriage

Definition: Marriage is a promise between two people to care for and support each other. It is a special agreement to share life together.
Commitment: It means making a strong promise to stay together through both happy and difficult times.
Legal and Social Recognition: In many places, marriage is recognized by law and society, giving the couple certain rights and responsibilities.
Building a Family: Marriage often means starting a family, which can include having children or creating a home together.
Cultural Importance: Many cultures celebrate marriage with special traditions and ceremonies, showing respect for the bond between the partners.

Understanding Marriage

Definition: Marriage is a promise between two people to care for and support each other. It is a special agreement to share life together.
Commitment: It means making a strong promise to stay together through both happy and difficult times.
Legal and Social Recognition: In many places, marriage is recognized by law and society, giving the couple certain rights and responsibilities.
Building a Family: Marriage often means starting a family, which can include having children or creating a home together.
Cultural Importance: Many cultures celebrate marriage with special traditions and ceremonies, showing respect for the bond between the partners.

The Origin of the Word Marriage

Origin of the Word Marriage

Old French Influence: The word marriage entered English through the Old French word mariage. In Old French, this term referred to the act of uniting two people in a union or bond.
Latin Roots: The Old French term came from the Latin word maritare, which means "to marry." This Latin word was used to describe the act of uniting a man and a woman in a formal manner.
Related Latin Word "Maritus": The Latin maritare is believed to be connected with another Latin word, maritus, meaning "husband." Although this connection is not absolute, it shows how ideas about family and partnership were intertwined in language.
Evolution of the Meaning: Over time, the word marriage in English evolved to refer not just to the act of joining two lives, but also to the legal, social, and sometimes religious institution that supports this union.
Cultural Importance: From its origins in Latin and Old French, the concept of marriage grew to become one of the key social institutions in many cultures, emphasizing the commitment and bond between partners.

Origin of the Word Marriage

Old French Influence: The word marriage entered English through the Old French word mariage. In Old French, this term referred to the act of uniting two people in a union or bond.
Latin Roots: The Old French term came from the Latin word maritare, which means "to marry." This Latin word was used to describe the act of uniting a man and a woman in a formal manner.
Related Latin Word "Maritus": The Latin maritare is believed to be connected with another Latin word, maritus, meaning "husband." Although this connection is not absolute, it shows how ideas about family and partnership were intertwined in language.
Evolution of the Meaning: Over time, the word marriage in English evolved to refer not just to the act of joining two lives, but also to the legal, social, and sometimes religious institution that supports this union.
Cultural Importance: From its origins in Latin and Old French, the concept of marriage grew to become one of the key social institutions in many cultures, emphasizing the commitment and bond between partners.

What to Say Instead Marriage

Matrimony

Definition: A formal term denoting the institution of marriage, derived from Latin.
Similarity: Implies a legal and sometimes religious bond similar to what "marriage" conveys.
Usage: Used in contexts emphasizing formality or tradition, e.g., "They entered into matrimony in a grand ceremony."

Matrimony

Definition: A formal term denoting the institution of marriage, derived from Latin.
Similarity: Implies a legal and sometimes religious bond similar to what "marriage" conveys.
Usage: Used in contexts emphasizing formality or tradition, e.g., "They entered into matrimony in a grand ceremony."

Wedlock

Definition: An older term for marriage that emphasizes the state of being wed.
Similarity: Conveys the committed bond between partners, much like marriage.
Usage: Often appears in literary or historical contexts, e.g., "After years of courtship, they finally embraced their life in wedlock."

Wedlock

Definition: An older term for marriage that emphasizes the state of being wed.
Similarity: Conveys the committed bond between partners, much like marriage.
Usage: Often appears in literary or historical contexts, e.g., "After years of courtship, they finally embraced their life in wedlock."

Nuptials

Definition: Refers specifically to the wedding ceremony or the act of getting married.
Similarity: Shares with marriage the concept of union, while highlighting the celebratory event.
Usage: Commonly used when discussing wedding events, e.g., "The couple's nuptials were a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity."

Nuptials

Definition: Refers specifically to the wedding ceremony or the act of getting married.
Similarity: Shares with marriage the concept of union, while highlighting the celebratory event.
Usage: Commonly used when discussing wedding events, e.g., "The couple's nuptials were a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity."

Union

Definition: A general term for the joining of two individuals, both in legal and emotional terms.
Similarity: Reflects the core idea of marriage as a bond between people.
Usage: Suitable for both formal and informal contexts, e.g., "Their union was celebrated by friends and family alike."

Union

Definition: A general term for the joining of two individuals, both in legal and emotional terms.
Similarity: Reflects the core idea of marriage as a bond between people.
Usage: Suitable for both formal and informal contexts, e.g., "Their union was celebrated by friends and family alike."

Alliance

Definition: Indicates a union that often involves strategic or familial considerations.
Similarity: Like marriage, it signifies joining together, but can also suggest a broader social or political connection.
Usage: Used when highlighting the merging of families or interests, e.g., "The marriage served as an alliance between two influential families."

Alliance

Definition: Indicates a union that often involves strategic or familial considerations.
Similarity: Like marriage, it signifies joining together, but can also suggest a broader social or political connection.
Usage: Used when highlighting the merging of families or interests, e.g., "The marriage served as an alliance between two influential families."

Espousal

Definition: Derived from the act of espousing, it signifies the commitment to a partner.
Similarity: Emphasizes the act of choosing and uniting with another person, much like the concept of marriage.
Usage: Often appears in more formal or poetic contexts, e.g., "Their espousal marked the beginning of a lifelong journey together."

Espousal

Definition: Derived from the act of espousing, it signifies the commitment to a partner.
Similarity: Emphasizes the act of choosing and uniting with another person, much like the concept of marriage.
Usage: Often appears in more formal or poetic contexts, e.g., "Their espousal marked the beginning of a lifelong journey together."

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Common Phrases and Examples with Marriage

1. John and Mary celebrated their marriage with a big party.

Explanation: This sentence shows 'marriage' used to mean the wedding or union of two people, celebrated with a party.

2. The marriage of two cultures can bring new ideas.

Explanation: Here, 'marriage' means the joining or blending of different cultures, which can create fresh perspectives.

3. She wrote a book about the challenges of marriage.

Explanation: In this sentence, 'marriage' refers to the relationship between two people as they face life's challenges together.

4. They studied how marriage changes over time in society.

Explanation: This sentence uses 'marriage' to talk about the social practice of being married and how it evolves with time.

5. His marriage to his best friend has brought him much happiness.

Explanation: Here, 'marriage' refers to getting married to someone who is also a close personal friend, highlighting a happy relationship.

6. In some countries, arranged marriage is still common.

Explanation: This sentence uses 'marriage' to describe a type of union where families or communities choose the partners rather than the individuals themselves.