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A1 noun #3,343 most common 10 min read

marriage

Top 3,343

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips marriage in 30 Seconds

Explanation marriage in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'marriage' is understood as the basic idea of two people, like a mother and father or a prince and princess, living together as a family. It is often associated with a 'wedding,' which is a big party with a white dress and a cake. Students learn that marriage is a way people show they love each other and want to stay together. Simple sentences like 'My parents have a happy marriage' or 'They want to have a marriage' (though 'get married' is more common) are used. The focus is on the most common, everyday meaning of the word as a family bond.

At the A2 level, students begin to understand that 'marriage' is more than just a party; it is a long-term relationship. They can use adjectives to describe it, such as 'long,' 'happy,' or 'difficult.' They start to see the word in the context of family history and traditions. For example, 'In my country, marriage is very important.' They also learn the difference between the noun 'marriage' and the verb 'marry.' They might encounter the word in simple stories or news about famous people getting married. The concept of a 'marriage certificate' as a piece of paper might also be introduced.

At the B1 level, learners can discuss the social and personal aspects of marriage in more detail. They can talk about 'marriage rates' or the age at which people typically enter into a marriage. They start to use the word metaphorically, such as 'a marriage of ideas.' They can express opinions on the importance of marriage in modern society and compare it with other forms of commitment. They are familiar with common collocations like 'arranged marriage' or 'civil marriage' and can use them in conversation and writing to describe different cultural practices.

At the B2 level, students understand 'marriage' as a complex legal and social institution. They can engage in debates about the evolving definition of marriage, including same-sex marriage and the legal rights associated with it. They can use the word in more formal contexts, such as discussing 'the dissolution of marriage' (divorce) or 'marriage guidance' (counseling). They are aware of the nuances between 'marriage,' 'matrimony,' and 'union.' Their vocabulary includes more sophisticated collocations and they can analyze how the concept of marriage is portrayed in literature and film.

At the C1 level, learners have a deep understanding of the historical, sociological, and legal dimensions of 'marriage.' They can discuss the word's etymology and its role in shaping social structures over centuries. They are comfortable using the word in academic writing to describe the 'marriage of disparate theories' or 'the marriage of convenience' in political alliances. They can appreciate the subtle connotations of the word in high-level literature and can navigate complex legal documents that use the term in a precise, technical way. They understand the cultural sensitivities surrounding the word in different global contexts.

At the C2 level, mastery of 'marriage' involves an effortless use of the word in all its literal and figurative senses. The learner can use it with precision in philosophical, legal, and poetic contexts. They might explore the 'marriage of form and function' in architecture or the 'marriage of the soul' in mystical poetry. They can critically analyze the socio-political implications of marriage as a state-sanctioned institution and discuss its future in a changing world. Their use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, characterized by a rich use of idioms and subtle stylistic choices.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

marriage in 30 Seconds

A formal and legal union between two people as partners in a relationship.
The ongoing state and relationship of being married, distinct from the wedding ceremony.
A social institution that establishes legal rights, duties, and family connections.
A metaphorical term for the successful combination or fusion of two different things.

Marriage is a fundamental social institution found in almost every culture throughout human history. At its core, it represents a formal and often legal commitment between individuals to build a life together. While the specific customs, legal requirements, and social expectations surrounding marriage vary significantly across the globe, the central theme remains the creation of a stable partnership. In modern English, the word is used both to describe the ceremony itself (the wedding) and the long-term state of being joined together as a couple. People use this word when discussing family structures, legal rights, emotional bonds, and social traditions.

The Legal Aspect: Marriage is a contract recognized by the state, granting partners rights regarding taxes, inheritance, and healthcare decisions.

They celebrated twenty-five years of marriage with a large party for their friends and family.

Beyond the legalities, marriage is deeply intertwined with emotional intimacy and personal growth. It is seen as a journey where two people navigate life's challenges and triumphs together. In many societies, it is also the primary framework for raising children and maintaining communal ties. The word often carries a weight of permanence and seriousness, distinguishing it from casual dating or short-term relationships. Whether it is a religious sacrament or a civil union, marriage signifies a public declaration of private devotion.

The Symbolic Aspect: Symbols like rings, white dresses, and shared surnames are common cultural markers of this union.

A happy marriage requires constant communication and mutual respect between both partners.

In contemporary discourse, the definition of marriage has expanded. Many countries now recognize same-sex marriage, reflecting a shift toward inclusivity and equality. This evolution shows that while the word 'marriage' is ancient, its application is dynamic. It is used in political debates, legal cases, and everyday conversations about love and commitment. Understanding this word involves recognizing its dual nature as both a personal milestone and a public institution.

The Social Aspect: Marriage often unites two entire families, creating new networks of relatives and social obligations.

The marriage of the two royal houses ended years of conflict between the neighboring kingdoms.

They decided to enter into a marriage of convenience to secure their business interests.

The document provides proof of their marriage for the visa application process.

Using 'marriage' correctly requires understanding its role as a noun that can be both abstract and concrete. It often appears with adjectives that describe the quality or type of the union. For instance, we talk about a 'stable marriage,' a 'troubled marriage,' or a 'blissful marriage.' Grammatically, it is frequently followed by the preposition 'of' when identifying the participants (e.g., the marriage of John and Mary) or 'between' (e.g., marriage between two people). It is important not to confuse it with the verb 'marry' or the adjective 'married.'

Descriptive Usage: Use adjectives to specify the nature of the relationship, such as 'civil,' 'religious,' or 'arranged.'

An arranged marriage is still a common tradition in many parts of the world today.

In formal writing, 'marriage' can also be used metaphorically to describe a combination or fusion of two different things, such as ideas, styles, or companies. This metaphorical use highlights the concept of two distinct entities joining to create a unified whole. For example, a critic might praise the 'marriage of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology' in a new building design. This versatility makes the word useful in academic, artistic, and business contexts.

Metaphorical Usage: The word can describe the successful combination of two disparate elements or concepts.

The chef's signature dish is a perfect marriage of sweet and savory flavors.

When discussing the act of getting married, 'marriage' is often used with verbs like 'propose,' 'enter into,' 'dissolve,' or 'save.' These verbs help define the stage of the relationship. For instance, 'dissolving a marriage' is a formal way to talk about divorce, while 'saving a marriage' implies working through difficulties to keep the couple together. Understanding these collocations is key to sounding natural in English.

Action Verbs: Verbs like 'annul,' 'consummate,' and 'sustain' are frequently used in legal and formal contexts regarding marriage.

They are seeking professional counseling to help sustain their marriage during this difficult time.

The poet explores the marriage of nature and urban life in her latest collection.

A long-distance marriage presents unique challenges that require extra effort from both partners.

The word 'marriage' is ubiquitous in daily life, appearing in various media and social interactions. You will hear it in news reports concerning legislative changes (such as the legalization of same-sex marriage), in romantic movies and novels where it often serves as the 'happily ever after' goal, and in legal settings like courtrooms or government offices. It is also a common topic in talk shows, podcasts, and advice columns focusing on relationships and family dynamics. In many religious services, the word is used to describe a sacred bond ordained by a higher power.

In the Media: News outlets often report on 'marriage rates' and sociological trends affecting how people view the institution.

The documentary examines the history of marriage laws and how they have evolved over the centuries.

In casual conversation, friends might discuss their own marriages or those of people they know. You might hear someone say, 'How's the marriage going?' or 'They have a very strong marriage.' In these contexts, the word refers to the day-to-day reality of the relationship rather than the legal status. Additionally, 'marriage' is frequently heard in professional settings, particularly in law, where 'marriage certificates,' 'marriage licenses,' and 'marriage contracts' are standard terminology.

In Literature: Classic novels often center on the theme of marriage as a means of social mobility or personal fulfillment.

Jane Austen's novels frequently explore the economic realities of marriage in the 19th century.

Finally, the word is common in marketing and design. A 'marriage of styles' or a 'marriage of convenience' are phrases used to describe products that combine different features. For example, a car might be described as a 'perfect marriage of luxury and performance.' This shows how the concept of marriage as a 'union' extends far beyond human relationships into the way we think about the world around us.

In Marketing: Advertisers use the word to imply harmony and synergy between different product features.

This new smartphone offers a seamless marriage of powerful hardware and intuitive software.

The speaker discussed the marriage between economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Many people attend marriage enrichment retreats to strengthen their bond.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is using 'marriage' when they actually mean 'wedding.' A 'wedding' is the specific event or ceremony where two people get married, while 'marriage' is the ongoing relationship that follows. You wouldn't say, 'I am going to my friend's marriage tomorrow' unless you were referring to the institution itself; instead, you would say, 'I am going to my friend's wedding.' Another common error is using the wrong preposition. While you are 'married to' someone, you talk about the 'marriage of' two people.

Marriage vs. Wedding: Mistake: 'The marriage was very beautiful with lots of flowers.' Correct: 'The wedding was very beautiful...'

They have a happy marriage, even though their wedding was very small and simple.

Learners also sometimes confuse the parts of speech. 'Marriage' is a noun, 'marry' is a verb, and 'married' is an adjective. For example, saying 'They are marriage' is incorrect; it should be 'They are married.' Similarly, 'He wants to marriage her' is incorrect; it should be 'He wants to marry her.' Using the noun form in place of the verb or adjective is a common stumbling block for those at the A1 and A2 levels.

Grammar Confusion: Avoid: 'He is in a marriage with her.' Better: 'He is married to her' or 'Their marriage is strong.'

The marriage of the two companies created a global powerhouse in the tech industry.

Finally, be careful with the plural form. While you can speak of 'marriages' in a general sociological sense, when referring to a specific couple, you usually use the singular. For example, 'Their marriages were difficult' would imply they have each been married multiple times, whereas 'Their marriage was difficult' refers to their current relationship together. Precision in number is vital for clear communication.

Plural vs. Singular: Use the singular 'marriage' for a single union, even though it involves two people.

The study looks at the success rates of first marriages compared to subsequent ones.

After the marriage ceremony, the guests were invited to a reception at a local hotel.

It is a common error to think that marriage will automatically solve all relationship problems.

While 'marriage' is the most common term, several other words can be used depending on the level of formality and the specific context. 'Matrimony' is a very formal, often religious term for the state of being married. 'Wedlock' is an older, more traditional term, often heard in the phrase 'born out of wedlock.' 'Union' is a broader term that can refer to marriage but also to other types of partnerships, such as civil unions. In more casual or legal contexts, you might hear 'partnership' or 'domestic partnership.'

Matrimony: A formal or religious synonym. Example: 'The holy bonds of matrimony.'

The priest spoke about the sacred nature of marriage during the Sunday service.

When comparing 'marriage' to 'partnership,' the former usually implies a more traditional or legal structure, while the latter is often used by couples who choose not to marry or who want to emphasize the equality and collaboration in their relationship. 'Nuptials' is another word you might see, but it specifically refers to the wedding ceremony itself, similar to 'wedding.' Understanding these nuances helps in choosing the right word for the right situation, whether you are writing a formal essay or chatting with a friend.

Union: A term that emphasizes the joining together. Example: 'A civil union provides many of the same rights as marriage.'

The marriage of different cultures can lead to a rich and diverse community.

In legal contexts, phrases like 'spousal relationship' or 'conjugal union' might be used to describe the state of marriage. These terms are highly technical and are mostly found in law books or official government forms. For everyday use, 'marriage' remains the standard and most versatile choice. By learning these alternatives, you can better understand the different registers of English and how the concept of marriage is framed in various parts of society.

Wedlock: A traditional term often used in legal or historical contexts. Example: 'They were joined in wedlock.'

Their marriage was a true partnership based on shared values and goals.

The legal definition of marriage has been a subject of intense debate in recent years.

She wrote a book about the marriage of art and technology in the digital age.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Historically, the word focused on the man's role as 'maritus' (husband), but it evolved to encompass the union of both partners. It entered the English language after the Norman Conquest.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈmær.ɪdʒ/

US /ˈmer.ɪdʒ/

The stress is on the first syllable: MAR-riage.

Rhymes With

carriage disparage miscarriage intermarriage remarriage claridge average (near rhyme) beverage (near rhyme)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like 'marry-age' (three syllables). It should be two.
Mixing up the 'a' sound with a long 'ay' sound.
Pronouncing the 'g' like a hard 'g' in 'game'.
Forgetting the 'i' sound in the second syllable.
Stress on the second syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The word is very common and easy to recognize in simple texts.

Writing 2/5

Learners often confuse it with 'wedding' or 'marry'.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is usually okay, but the 'dge' sound can be tricky.

Listening 1/5

It is clearly pronounced and used frequently in media.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

love family friend live together

Learn Next

divorce spouse anniversary commitment partnership

Advanced

matrimony nuptials consanguinity bigamy monogamy

Grammar to Know

Noun vs Verb

Marriage (noun) is a union. To marry (verb) is the action.

Prepositions

Marriage of [A and B]. Married to [B].

Countability

She has had two marriages (countable).

Compound Adjectives

A marriage-related issue (using the noun as an adjective).

Possessives

The couple's marriage (apostrophe for possession).

Examples by Level

My parents have a very happy marriage.

Mes parents ont un mariage très heureux.

Simple subject + verb + object structure.

Is marriage important in your country?

Le mariage est-il important dans votre pays ?

Question form using 'is' with the noun 'marriage'.

They want a long marriage.

Ils veulent un long mariage.

Adjective 'long' modifying the noun 'marriage'.

A marriage is a big commitment.

Un mariage est un grand engagement.

Use of the indefinite article 'a' before the noun.

She has a photo from her parents' marriage.

Elle a une photo du mariage de ses parents.

Possessive form 'parents' marriage'.

Marriage makes people family.

Le mariage fait des gens une famille.

Abstract noun 'marriage' as the subject.

I saw a beautiful marriage in a movie.

J'ai vu un beau mariage dans un film.

Common usage referring to the relationship in a story.

What is a marriage?

Qu'est-ce qu'un mariage ?

Simple definition question.

Their marriage lasted for fifty years.

Leur mariage a duré cinquante ans.

Using the past tense 'lasted' with the noun.

He doesn't believe in marriage.

Il ne croit pas au mariage.

The phrase 'believe in' followed by a noun.

They are celebrating their first year of marriage.

Ils fêtent leur première année de mariage.

Prepositional phrase 'of marriage'.

Marriage can be difficult sometimes.

Le mariage peut être difficile parfois.

Modal verb 'can' with the noun.

Is it a civil marriage or a religious one?

Est-ce un mariage civil ou religieux ?

Contrasting two types of marriage using adjectives.

The marriage of my sister was in June.

Le mariage de ma sœur était en juin.

Using 'marriage' to refer to the event (common at this level).

They have a lot of respect in their marriage.

Ils ont beaucoup de respect dans leur mariage.

Prepositional phrase 'in their marriage'.

Many people think marriage is a good thing.

Beaucoup de gens pensent que le mariage est une bonne chose.

Noun clause 'that marriage is a good thing'.

The average age for marriage is increasing.

L'âge moyen du mariage augmente.

Noun used in a statistical context.

She entered into a marriage of convenience.

Elle a contracté un mariage de convenance.

The idiom 'marriage of convenience'.

Their marriage was a perfect blend of two cultures.

Leur mariage était un mélange parfait de deux cultures.

Metaphorical use describing cultural fusion.

He is struggling to save his marriage.

Il lutte pour sauver son mariage.

Verb 'save' used with the noun 'marriage'.

The law regarding same-sex marriage changed recently.

La loi concernant le mariage homosexuel a changé récemment.

Compound noun 'same-sex marriage'.

A successful marriage requires communication.

Un mariage réussi exige de la communication.

General statement using a singular noun.

They decided to end their marriage after ten years.

Ils ont décidé de mettre fin à leur mariage après dix ans.

Verb 'end' used with 'marriage'.

The book explores the concept of marriage in the 18th century.

Le livre explore le concept du mariage au XVIIIe siècle.

Using 'concept of' before the noun.

The dissolution of a marriage can be a long legal process.

La dissolution d'un mariage peut être un long processus juridique.

Formal term 'dissolution of a marriage'.

Their marriage was built on a foundation of trust.

Leur mariage était bâti sur un socle de confiance.

Metaphorical 'built on a foundation'.

The film depicts the slow breakdown of a marriage.

Le film dépeint l'effondrement progressif d'un mariage.

Noun 'breakdown' modified by 'of a marriage'.

They are seeking marriage guidance to resolve their issues.

Ils cherchent des conseils conjugaux pour résoudre leurs problèmes.

Compound noun 'marriage guidance'.

The marriage between the two companies was unexpected.

Le mariage entre les deux entreprises était inattendu.

Metaphorical use in a business context.

She has written extensively on the history of marriage.

Elle a beaucoup écrit sur l'histoire du mariage.

Academic context 'history of marriage'.

The marriage of tradition and innovation is key to their success.

Le mariage de la tradition et de l'innovation est la clé de leur succès.

Metaphorical use of 'marriage of X and Y'.

He was born into a very traditional marriage.

Il est né au sein d'un mariage très traditionnel.

Prepositional phrase 'into a... marriage'.

The sociological study examines the decline of marriage as an institution.

L'étude sociologique examine le déclin du mariage en tant qu'institution.

Formal academic phrasing.

Their marriage was a strategic alliance between two noble families.

Leur mariage était une alliance stratégique entre deux familles nobles.

Historical/political context.

The poem reflects on the ephemeral nature of marriage and love.

Le poème réfléchit sur la nature éphémère du mariage et de l'amour.

Philosophical/literary context.

The court ruled that the marriage was invalid from the beginning.

Le tribunal a jugé que le mariage était nul dès le début.

Legal context 'invalid marriage'.

The novel is a scathing critique of middle-class marriage.

Le roman est une critique cinglante du mariage de la classe moyenne.

Literary analysis terminology.

The marriage of these two musical genres created a new sound.

Le mariage de ces deux genres musicaux a créé un nouveau son.

Abstract metaphorical use in arts.

There is a deep-seated tension in their marriage that is hard to ignore.

Il y a une tension profonde dans leur mariage qu'il est difficile d'ignorer.

Complex noun phrase 'deep-seated tension'.

The state's involvement in the definition of marriage is a contentious issue.

L'implication de l'État dans la définition du mariage est une question litigieuse.

Political science context.

The philosopher argues that marriage is a performative act of social cohesion.

Le philosophe soutient que le mariage est un acte performatif de cohésion sociale.

High-level theoretical phrasing.

His latest work is a sublime marriage of classical form and avant-garde content.

Son dernier travail est un mariage sublime de forme classique et de contenu d'avant-garde.

Sophisticated aesthetic critique.

The legal nuances of inter-jurisdictional marriage are incredibly complex.

Les nuances juridiques du mariage inter-juridictionnel sont incroyablement complexes.

Technical legal terminology.

She views marriage not as a destination, but as a continuous state of becoming.

Elle ne voit pas le mariage comme une destination, mais comme un état continu de devenir.

Existential/philosophical phrasing.

The documentary deconstructs the patriarchal origins of modern marriage.

Le documentaire déconstruit les origines patriarcales du mariage moderne.

Critical theory terminology.

The marriage of convenience has long been a staple of political maneuvering.

Le mariage de convenance est depuis longtemps un élément de base des manœuvres politiques.

Idiomatic and historical usage.

There is an inherent paradox in the idea of a state-sanctioned romantic marriage.

Il y a un paradoxe inhérent à l'idée d'un mariage romantique sanctionné par l'État.

Advanced logical argumentation.

The marriage of their talents resulted in a masterpiece of modern cinema.

Le mariage de leurs talents a abouti à un chef-d'œuvre du cinéma moderne.

Refined metaphorical praise.

Synonyms

wedding union matrimony partnership wedlock

Antonyms

divorce separation singlehood

Common Collocations

happy marriage

civil marriage

arranged marriage

marriage certificate

marriage vows

stable marriage

marriage proposal

same-sex marriage

marriage counseling

marriage of convenience

Common Phrases

enter into marriage

— To formally get married or start the legal process. It sounds more formal than 'get married'.

They entered into marriage with high hopes.

save a marriage

— To work on a relationship to prevent it from ending in divorce. It implies effort.

They are trying everything to save their marriage.

propose marriage

— To ask someone to marry you. This is the formal way to describe a proposal.

He decided to propose marriage on their anniversary.

dissolve a marriage

— A legal term for ending a marriage through divorce. It is very formal.

The court officially dissolved their marriage last week.

marriage of minds

— A deep intellectual connection between two people. It's a metaphorical use.

Their working relationship was a true marriage of minds.

years of marriage

— A way to measure the duration of the relationship. Common for anniversaries.

After 40 years of marriage, they are still in love.

marriage rates

— A statistical term referring to how many people are getting married. Used in sociology.

Marriage rates have been falling in urban areas.

sanctity of marriage

— The idea that marriage is holy or should be deeply respected. Often religious.

Many people believe in the sanctity of marriage.

marriage license

— The legal document required before a wedding can take place. It's a permit.

They went to the courthouse to apply for a marriage license.

broken marriage

— A marriage that has failed or is no longer functioning. It's a sad description.

He grew up in the shadow of his parents' broken marriage.

Often Confused With

marriage vs wedding

A wedding is the one-day event; marriage is the long-term relationship.

marriage vs marry

'Marry' is the verb (action); 'marriage' is the noun (state).

marriage vs married

'Married' is the adjective describing a person's status.

Idioms & Expressions

"marriage made in heaven"

— A perfect combination of two people or things. It implies they are perfectly suited.

Their partnership was a marriage made in heaven.

informal/neutral

"shotgun marriage"

— A marriage that is forced or rushed, often due to an unplanned pregnancy.

It was a shotgun marriage, but they ended up being very happy.

informal

"marriage of convenience"

— A marriage for practical reasons (money, status, legal) rather than love.

The royal wedding was a marriage of convenience to unite the kingdoms.

neutral

"tie the knot"

— An informal way to say 'get married'. It refers to the marriage ceremony.

They are planning to tie the knot next summer.

informal

"walk down the aisle"

— To get married, specifically referring to the wedding ceremony in a church.

She's not ready to walk down the aisle just yet.

informal

"take the plunge"

— To decide to do something major, like getting married. It implies risk.

After dating for six years, they finally took the plunge.

informal

"jump the broom"

— An African-American tradition and idiom for getting married.

They are going to jump the broom this weekend.

informal/cultural

"settle down"

— To begin living a quiet, stable life by getting married and perhaps having a house.

He's finally ready to settle down and find a wife.

informal

"the honeymoon is over"

— The initial period of excitement and happiness in a new situation has ended.

The honeymoon is over at his new job; now the real work starts.

neutral

"lead someone to the altar"

— To marry someone. It's a slightly old-fashioned or poetic way of speaking.

He led her to the altar in a beautiful ceremony.

literary

Easily Confused

marriage vs wedding

Both relate to the union of two people.

Wedding refers to the ceremony and celebration. Marriage refers to the legal and social relationship that follows the ceremony. You go to a wedding, but you live in a marriage.

The wedding was on Saturday, but their marriage lasted for decades.

marriage vs partnership

Both describe a committed relationship.

Marriage is a specific legal and often religious institution. Partnership is a broader term that can include business relationships or romantic couples who are not legally married.

They have a business partnership, but they aren't in a marriage.

marriage vs union

Both mean joining together.

Union is more general and can refer to labor unions, the joining of countries, or a marriage. Marriage is specifically for the personal relationship between individuals.

The union of the two countries was more important than any royal marriage.

marriage vs matrimony

They are synonyms.

Matrimony is much more formal and usually has religious connotations. You mostly hear it in wedding ceremonies (e.g., 'holy matrimony').

The priest performed the rites of matrimony.

marriage vs espousal

Both relate to getting married.

Espousal is very rare and formal, often referring to the act of becoming engaged or supporting a cause. Marriage is the standard word.

His espousal of traditional values led him to value marriage highly.

Sentence Patterns

Subject + have + a + [adjective] + marriage.

They have a good marriage.

Their marriage + lasted + [time].

Their marriage lasted forty years.

The marriage of + [X] + and + [Y].

The marriage of technology and art is cool.

It was a + [type] + marriage.

It was a civil marriage.

The dissolution of the marriage + [verb].

The dissolution of the marriage was painful.

A marriage between + [concept] + and + [concept].

A marriage between logic and emotion.

Marriage is viewed as + [complex idea].

Marriage is viewed as a social construct.

The inherent paradox of + [type] + marriage.

The inherent paradox of state-sanctioned marriage.

Word Family

Nouns

marriage

remarriage

intermarriage

mismarriage

Verbs

marry

remarry

intermarry

Adjectives

married

marriageable

unmarried

premarital

extramarital

spouse

wedding

matrimony

wedlock

nuptials

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written English.

Common Mistakes

I am going to a marriage tomorrow. → I am going to a wedding tomorrow.
You go to the ceremony (wedding), not the relationship (marriage).
They are marriage for ten years. → They have been married for ten years.
Use the adjective 'married' with the verb 'to be' to describe status.
He wants to marriage her. → He wants to marry her.
Use the verb 'marry' for the action of getting wed.
The marriage between John to Mary. → The marriage of John and Mary.
Use 'of' for the participants in a marriage noun phrase.
A marriage made on heaven. → A marriage made in heaven.
The correct preposition for this idiom is 'in'.

Tips

Noun vs. Verb

Remember that 'marriage' is a noun. You cannot say 'I will marriage you.' You must say 'I will marry you.' Use 'marriage' to talk about the relationship itself.

Marriage vs. Wedding

This is the most common mistake. A wedding is a party; a marriage is a life. Use 'wedding' for the cake and flowers, and 'marriage' for the years together.

Metaphorical Use

In professional writing, use 'marriage' to describe the joining of two ideas. It makes your English sound more advanced and sophisticated.

Official Documents

When filling out forms, 'marriage' refers to your legal status. You will often see 'Marriage Certificate' as the name of the official paper.

Convenience

The phrase 'marriage of convenience' is very common in books and movies. It's a great way to describe any situation where people work together only for practical reasons.

Two Syllables

Don't say 'marry-age.' It's shorter: 'MAR-ridge.' Keeping it to two syllables will make you sound much more like a native speaker.

Respecting Culture

When talking about marriage in different countries, use terms like 'arranged marriage' or 'traditional marriage' to show you understand different customs.

Adjective Order

When describing a marriage, put the descriptive adjective first: 'a long, happy marriage' or 'a difficult, short marriage.'

Context Clues

If you hear 'marriage' in a business meeting, they are probably talking about a merger or a combination of two products, not a wedding.

The 'Age' in Marriage

Focus on the 'age' part of the word to remind yourself that a marriage is meant to last for a long 'age' or time.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'MARriage' as two people 'MARching' together through life. They are a team on a long journey.

Visual Association

Visualize two golden rings linked together. They cannot be separated without breaking, representing the union.

Word Web

Love Family Wedding Legal Partner Home Commitment Trust

Challenge

Write three sentences about a famous marriage from history or a movie. Use the word 'marriage' at least once in each sentence.

Word Origin

The word 'marriage' comes from the Old French 'mariage', which appeared in the 12th century. This was derived from the verb 'marier', meaning 'to marry'.

Original meaning: The root is the Latin word 'maritaticum', which refers to the state of being a husband ('maritus').

Indo-European (Italic > Romance > French > English).

Cultural Context

Always be mindful that not everyone aspires to marriage, and views on its importance can be deeply personal or political.

In the UK and US, common-law marriage is a frequent topic of legal discussion, though its status varies by region.

The Marriage of Figaro (Opera by Mozart) Pride and Prejudice (Novel centered on marriage) Marriage Story (2019 Movie about divorce)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family Gatherings

Happy anniversary on your marriage!
How many years of marriage is it?
A toast to a long marriage.
They have a beautiful marriage.

Legal/Official

Apply for a marriage license.
Sign the marriage certificate.
The dissolution of marriage.
Proof of marriage.

Movies/Books

A marriage of convenience.
The story of their marriage.
A troubled marriage.
A perfect marriage.

Sociology/News

Changes in marriage laws.
The decline of marriage.
The average age of marriage.
Same-sex marriage rights.

Metaphorical/Business

A marriage of two companies.
The marriage of art and science.
A perfect marriage of flavors.
A marriage of styles.

Conversation Starters

"Do you think marriage is necessary for a happy life?"

"What is the secret to a long and successful marriage?"

"How have marriage traditions changed in your country recently?"

"What are the pros and cons of an arranged marriage?"

"Would you ever enter into a marriage of convenience?"

Journal Prompts

Describe what an ideal marriage looks like to you in terms of partnership and support.

Write about a marriage you admire (real or fictional) and explain why it is special.

Discuss how the legal definition of marriage has evolved in your lifetime.

Reflect on the difference between a wedding and a marriage. Which is more important?

Write a short story about a 'marriage of convenience' that turns into real love.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

A wedding is the ceremony or event where two people get married. Marriage is the long-term relationship and legal status that begins after the wedding. For example, you can have a beautiful wedding but a difficult marriage.

Yes, it is often used metaphorically to describe the combination of two different things, like 'a marriage of flavors' in cooking or 'a marriage of two companies' in business. It implies a successful and harmonious union.

It can be both. It is countable when referring to specific unions (e.g., 'She had three marriages'). It is uncountable when referring to the institution in general (e.g., 'Marriage is a social construct').

You use it as a noun. For example: 'Their marriage is very happy' or 'They are celebrating 10 years of marriage.' Don't use it as a verb; use 'marry' instead.

It is an idiom for a marriage that is done for practical, legal, or financial reasons rather than for love. For example, someone might enter a marriage of convenience to get a visa for a different country.

A civil marriage is a legal union performed by a government official rather than a religious leader. It is recognized by the state but does not involve a church or religious ceremony.

Usually, it is neutral or positive, but it can be used with negative adjectives like 'troubled marriage,' 'broken marriage,' or 'failed marriage' to describe unhappy relationships.

Common synonyms include 'matrimony' (formal), 'union' (general), 'wedlock' (old-fashioned), and 'partnership' (modern). The choice depends on the context and level of formality.

It comes from the Old French word 'mariage,' which evolved from the Latin 'maritaticum,' meaning the state of being a husband. It entered English in the 13th century.

It is pronounced as two syllables: /ˈmær.ɪdʒ/. The first syllable rhymes with 'car' (in some accents) or 'cat' (in most), and the second syllable is a short 'ih' sound followed by a soft 'j' sound.