marry 🔊
Meaning of marry
To enter into a legally or socially recognized union with someone as partners in a personal relationship, typically with ceremonies like weddings.
Key Difference
While 'marry' is often used in the context of formal or legal unions, its synonyms may imply different cultural, religious, or social connotations.
Example of marry
- They decided to marry after dating for five years.
- In many cultures, it is customary to marry in a religious ceremony.
Synonyms
wed 🔊
Meaning of wed
To take someone as a spouse in a marriage ceremony.
Key Difference
'Wed' is more formal and often associated with the ceremony itself, while 'marry' can refer to the broader concept of union.
Example of wed
- The couple will wed in a grand ceremony next summer.
- They wed in a small chapel by the beach.
espouse 🔊
Meaning of espouse
To marry or to adopt or support a cause, belief, or way of life.
Key Difference
'Espouse' can mean both to marry and to support a cause, making it broader in usage than 'marry'.
Example of espouse
- He espoused her in a traditional ceremony last year.
- She espouses the principles of environmental sustainability.
tie the knot 🔊
Meaning of tie the knot
An informal expression meaning to get married.
Key Difference
This is a colloquial phrase, whereas 'marry' is more formal and neutral.
Example of tie the knot
- After years of dating, they finally decided to tie the knot.
- Many celebrities tie the knot in secret ceremonies.
unite 🔊
Meaning of unite
To come or bring together for a common purpose or action, including marriage.
Key Difference
'Unite' is more general and can refer to any kind of joining, not just marriage.
Example of unite
- The two families were united through marriage.
- They united in marriage after a long courtship.
elope 🔊
Meaning of elope
To run away secretly in order to get married, especially without parental consent.
Key Difference
'Elope' implies secrecy and spontaneity, unlike the more planned and formal 'marry'.
Example of elope
- The young couple eloped to avoid a large wedding.
- They eloped to Paris and married in a quiet ceremony.
betroth 🔊
Meaning of betroth
To formally engage someone to be married.
Key Difference
'Betroth' refers to the engagement or promise to marry, not the act of marriage itself.
Example of betroth
- In medieval times, children were often betrothed at a young age.
- They were betrothed before he left for war.
commit 🔊
Meaning of commit
To dedicate oneself to a relationship, often implying marriage.
Key Difference
'Commit' is broader and can refer to any long-term dedication, not just marital union.
Example of commit
- They decided to commit to each other by getting married.
- Marriage is a way to publicly commit to your partner.
join in matrimony 🔊
Meaning of join in matrimony
A formal phrase meaning to unite in marriage.
Key Difference
This phrase is more ceremonial and traditional than the neutral 'marry'.
Example of join in matrimony
- The priest joined them in matrimony in front of their families.
- They were joined in matrimony in a beautiful garden ceremony.
get hitched 🔊
Meaning of get hitched
A slang term meaning to get married.
Key Difference
This is a very informal and playful term compared to the neutral 'marry'.
Example of get hitched
- They got hitched in Las Vegas last weekend.
- After ten years together, they finally got hitched.
Conclusion
- The word 'marry' is a neutral and widely applicable term for entering into a marital union.
- 'Wed' is best used when emphasizing the ceremonial aspect of marriage.
- 'Espouse' can be used when referring to both marriage and adopting beliefs, adding versatility.
- 'Tie the knot' is perfect for casual conversations about marriage.
- 'Unite' is suitable when referring to broader unions beyond just marriage.
- 'Elope' should be used when describing a secretive or spontaneous marriage.
- 'Betroth' is ideal for historical or formal contexts involving engagements.
- 'Commit' works well when discussing long-term dedication in relationships.
- 'Join in matrimony' is fitting for traditional or ceremonial descriptions of marriage.
- 'Get hitched' is great for informal or humorous contexts about marriage.