Groom Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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groom

[ɡruːm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

wedding

A man who is getting married or has just got married

Synonyms

bridegroom, husband.

Examples of usage

  • He was a handsome groom waiting at the altar.
  • The groom was nervous before the ceremony.
Context #2 | Verb

animals

To clean and brush the fur or skin of an animal

Synonyms

brush, clean.

Examples of usage

  • She spent hours grooming her horse for the competition.
  • The cat groomed itself after eating.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culture

  • In many cultures, the groom is often seen as the protector and provider in a marriage.
  • Traditional wedding customs often include the groom having specific tasks, like picking up the bride or organizing the rings.
  • In some cultures, such as in India, the groom is often involved in elaborate rituals that showcase their family heritage during weddings.

Literature

  • Grooms often play pivotal roles in classic stories, symbolizing loyalty and commitment, as seen in many fairy tales.
  • In literary works, the character of the groom can represent various archetypes, from the noble hero to the reluctant partner.
  • Shakespeare often portrayed weddings and grooms in his plays, highlighting the complexity of love and commitment.

Psychology

  • The role of a groom in marriage can involve emotional challenges, including dealing with expectations and stress from wedding planning.
  • Research shows that grooms can experience anxiety about commitment and the changes that come with marriage.
  • Men in the role of groom have historically been studied for their emotional responses to both the wedding day and the implications of marriage.

Pop Culture

  • Grooms have been depicted in countless films and TV shows, often portrayed in comedic or dramatic light, reflecting societal views on marriage.
  • The 'groomzilla' trope reflects how modern grooms are becoming more involved in wedding planning, often leading to humorous conflicts.
  • Many popular songs celebrate the groom's perspective on love and marriage, adding to the cultural narrative surrounding weddings.

Origin of 'groom'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English term 'grome,' meaning a young man or a servant.
  • In Old English, the word 'groma' referred to one who attends to the horses, linking back to the care associated with the role.
  • The shift in meaning to refer specifically to a bridegroom became common in the 15th century.

The word 'groom' originated from the Old English 'guma', which meant man or servant. Over time, it evolved to specifically refer to a man getting married. The verb form of 'groom' comes from the Middle French 'gromer', meaning to take care of horses. The dual meanings of the word reflect its historical usage in both wedding and animal care contexts.


See also: grooming.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,344, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.