Fiancé Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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fiancé
[ˌfiː.ɒnˈseɪ ]
Definition
romantic relationship
A man who is engaged to be married.
Synonyms
betrothed, future husband, intended.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| fiancé |
Commonly used in everyday conversation and formal situations to refer to the man someone is engaged to marry.
|
| betrothed |
Mostly used in formal or literary contexts to describe someone who has promised to marry another.
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| future husband |
Informally used to describe the man someone plans to marry, emphasizing the relationship's future aspect rather than the engagement status.
|
| intended |
Somewhat old-fashioned and formal, it is used to refer to the person someone is engaged to marry.
|
Examples of usage
- Her fiancé surprised her with a romantic dinner on their anniversary.
- The couple's families were thrilled to meet each other at the engagement party.
- He proposed to his fiancée with a beautiful ring.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Perspectives
- In many cultures, becoming engaged is celebrated with parties or family gatherings to mark the commitment.
- Engagement practices vary worldwide; in some cultures, families play a significant role in the engagement process.
- In the U.S., an engagement ring is a traditional gift, often seen as a sign of commitment.
Literature
- In classic novels, engagements often symbolize wealth and social status, revealing its importance in society.
- Characters in romantic literature commonly face challenges surrounding their engagements, emphasizing love over duty.
- Engagements appear frequently in Shakespeare's works, highlighting the complexities of love and commitment.
Psychology
- The period of engagement can significantly impact relationship dynamics, fostering deeper emotional bonds.
- Research shows that couples who are engaged experience shifts in interpersonal communication as they plan their future.
- Engagement often acts as a psychological commitment that can strengthen a couple's relationship.
Historical Context
- Historically, engagement was often used to secure family alliances and land ownership rather than being solely romantic.
- In the 18th and 19th centuries, engagements were formalized with contracts, often involving dowries.
- By the Victorian era, engagement rings became a symbol of love and commitment, evolving from jewelry for wealth.
Origin of 'fiancé'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'fiancé' comes from French, where it means 'engaged man'.
- In French, 'fiancer' means 'to betroth' or 'to engage'.
- The feminine form is 'fiancée', which means an engaged woman.
The word 'fiancé' comes from French, where it means 'engaged'. It entered the English language in the mid-19th century, originally used to refer to a man who is engaged to be married. The feminine form is 'fiancée'. The concept of engagement has been an important part of Western marriage traditions for centuries, symbolizing a commitment to marriage and a period of preparation before the wedding ceremony.
See also: fiancee.