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Bride: meaning, definitions and examples

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bride

 

[braɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

at a wedding

A woman who is about to be married or has just been married.

Synonyms

partner, spouse, wife.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bride

This word is specifically used to refer to a woman on her wedding day or shortly before or after the event.

  • The bride looked stunning in her white gown.
  • The guests threw rice as the bride and groom left the church.
wife

This word specifically refers to a married woman in relation to her spouse. It is commonly used in everyday conversation and is less formal than 'spouse'.

  • My wife is an excellent cook.
  • They’ve been happily married, and he always speaks highly of his wife.
spouse

This word is a formal and legal term that denotes a person’s husband or wife. It can be used in both personal and official settings.

  • Please list your spouse as the emergency contact.
  • Her spouse went on a business trip for two weeks.
partner

This term is gender-neutral and can be used in various contexts, including romantic relationships, business partnerships, or collaborations. It is more commonly used to refer to someone in a long-term relationship, not necessarily married.

  • I’m spending the weekend with my partner.
  • We have been life partners for over ten years.

Examples of usage

  • The bride looked stunning in her white wedding dress.
  • The bride and groom exchanged vows at the altar.
  • The bride's father walked her down the aisle.
Context #2 | Noun

general

A woman on her wedding day or just before and after the event.

Synonyms

bridal, bride-to-be, fiancee.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bride

This term is used to refer to a woman on her wedding day or just before and after the event.

  • The bride looked stunning in her white gown.
  • Everyone congratulated the bride and groom.
fiancee

This term is used to refer to a woman who is engaged to be married.

  • He introduced his fiancée to his family.
  • They announced their engagement and everyone was eager to meet the fiancée.
bride-to-be

This term is used to refer to a woman who is engaged and soon to be married.

  • The bride-to-be was excited about her upcoming wedding.
  • They threw a surprise party for the bride-to-be.
bridal

This adjective is used to describe anything related to a bride or a wedding.

  • They are planning a bridal shower for her.
  • She bought a beautiful bridal dress.

Examples of usage

  • The bride was nervous but excited for the big day.
  • The bride's family gathered to celebrate the occasion.
Context #3 | Verb

general

To prepare for a wedding ceremony.

Synonyms

arrange, prepare.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bride

Use when referring to a woman who is about to get married or has just gotten married.

  • The bride looked stunning in her white gown.
  • The bride and groom exchanged vows at the ceremony.
prepare

Use when talking about making something ready for use or consideration.

  • He needs to prepare for his final exams.
  • They were busy preparing the house for their guests.
arrange

Use when talking about organizing or planning something in advance.

  • We need to arrange a meeting with the new client.
  • She arranged the flowers beautifully on the table.

Examples of usage

  • The couple is busy planning and budgeting to bride next summer.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'bride' comes from the Old English 'bryd', which means 'to cook' or 'to make a meal', reflecting the role traditionally associated with women during marriage.
  • In many languages, the word for 'bride' has roots that connect to notions of brightness or beauty, emphasizing the celebratory aspect of a wedding.

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, the tradition of a bride wearing white symbolizes purity and new beginnings, a custom popularized in the 19th century by Queen Victoria.
  • Different cultures have unique rituals for brides, such as the 'Kawaii Wedding' in Japan, where brides may wear colorful dresses and incorporate Shinto customs.

Historical Practices

  • Historically, many societies viewed marriage as a business arrangement, so brides were often chosen based on family alliances rather than love.
  • In some cultures, the concept of dowry has involved the family of the bride providing gifts to the groom’s family, which is an ancient practice still observed in various forms today.

Pop Culture

  • Iconic films like 'Bride Wars' and 'The Wedding Planner' highlight the humorous and dramatic elements of the wedding planning process for brides.
  • In literature, brides have been depicted in various ways, from tragic figures in Shakespearean plays to strong, independent characters in modern novels.

Psychology

  • The transition to becoming a bride can evoke a range of emotions, from excitement and joy to anxiety about the commitment involved.
  • Studies have shown that women often experience social pressure regarding their appearance and behaviors on their wedding day, which can affect their mental well-being.

Translations

Translations of the word "bride" in other languages:

🇵🇹 noiva

🇮🇳 दुल्हन

🇩🇪 Braut

🇮🇩 pengantin perempuan

🇺🇦 наречена

🇵🇱 panna młoda

🇯🇵 花嫁 (はなよめ)

🇫🇷 mariée

🇪🇸 novia

🇹🇷 gelin

🇰🇷 신부 (sinbu)

🇸🇦 عروس

🇨🇿 nevěsta

🇸🇰 nevesta

🇨🇳 新娘 (xīnniáng)

🇸🇮 nevesta

🇮🇸 brúður

🇰🇿 қалыңдық

🇬🇪 პატარძალი (patardzali)

🇦🇿 gəlin

🇲🇽 novia

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,316 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.