Betrothed: meaning, definitions and examples

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betrothed

 

[ bɪˈtrəʊðd ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

in a romantic relationship

Engaged to be married; a person who is engaged to be married.

Synonyms

engaged, fiancee, fiancé.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
betrothed

Used in formal or old-fashioned contexts to refer to someone who is engaged to be married.

  • He introduced her as his betrothed during the family dinner.
  • The betrothed couple looked radiant at their engagement party.
engaged

Commonly used in everyday conversations to describe someone who has agreed to marry another person.

  • They have been engaged for six months now.
  • She showed everyone her engagement ring the moment she got engaged.
fiancé

Used to describe a man who is engaged to be married and typically used in both formal and informal settings.

  • Her fiancé is coming to dinner tonight.
  • They shared the news about her fiancé with their friends.
fiancee

Used to describe a woman who is engaged to be married and typically used in both formal and informal settings.

  • He introduced his fiancée to his colleagues at the office party.
  • They have been planning the wedding ever since she became his fiancée.

Examples of usage

  • She is eagerly planning her wedding with her betrothed.
  • The betrothed couple looked deeply in love at the engagement party.
Context #2 | Verb

historical context

To promise to marry someone.

Synonyms

pledge to marry, promise to marry.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
betrothed

Primarily used in historical or formal contexts to describe someone who is engaged to be married.

  • He introduced her as his betrothed at the family gathering.
  • The betrothed couple looked blissfully happy.
promise to marry

A general term used to describe the act of committing to marry someone, sometimes seen in legal contexts or when describing a mutual agreement.

  • She accepted his promise to marry her, sealing their future together.
  • In the letter, he reaffirmed his promise to marry her.
pledge to marry

Often used in more solemn or formal contexts to describe the act of promising to marry, typically found in written documents or vows.

  • He made a solemn pledge to marry her in front of the gathered crowd.
  • Their families witnessed the pledge to marry.

Examples of usage

  • In medieval times, marriages were often arranged and the couple would be betrothed at a young age.
  • The young prince betrothed himself to the princess of the neighboring kingdom.

Translations

Translations of the word "betrothed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 noivo

🇮🇳 मंगेतर (mangeṭar)

🇩🇪 Verlobter

🇮🇩 tunangan

🇺🇦 наречений

🇵🇱 narzeczony

🇯🇵 婚約者 (kon'yakusha)

🇫🇷 fiancé

🇪🇸 prometido

🇹🇷 nişanlı

🇰🇷 약혼자 (yakhonja)

🇸🇦 خطيب (khatib)

🇨🇿 snoubenec

🇸🇰 snúbenec

🇨🇳 未婚夫 (wèihūn fū)

🇸🇮 zaročenec

🇮🇸 trúlofaður

🇰🇿 қалыңдық

🇬🇪 დანიშნული (danishnuli)

🇦🇿 nişanlı

🇲🇽 prometido

Etymology

The word 'betrothed' comes from the Middle English word 'betrothen', which is derived from the Old English word 'betrūwian', meaning 'to promise truth'. The concept of betrothal has been a part of human history for centuries, often used as a formal agreement or promise of marriage. Betrothal customs and traditions have varied across different cultures and time periods, but the essence of the word remains connected to the commitment of marriage.

See also: trot.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,297, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.