marriage

Reading level: medium

Estimated CEFR level: A2 — Elementary

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)
  2. noun two people who are married to each other
  3. noun the act of marrying; the nuptial ceremony

Etymology

From Middle English mariage, from Old French mariage, from marier (“to marry”), from Latin marītō (“marry”, verb, literally “give in marriage”), from marītus (“lover”, “nuptial”), from mas (“male, masculine, of the male sex”). Equivalent to marry + -age. Doublet of maritage. Displaced native Old English sinsċipe.

In classic literature

Synonyms

matrimony, union, spousal relationship, wedlock

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