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Intermarry Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’
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intermarry

[หŒษชntษ™rหˆmษ›ri ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

marriage relations

To intermarry means to marry someone from a different social, ethnic, or religious group. This practice is often seen as a way to enhance cultural ties or family alliances. It can also refer to the intermarriage among members of similar groups to strengthen connections.

Synonyms

interconnect, join, unite.

Examples of usage

  • The families decided to intermarry to unify their clans.
  • Historically, royal families often intermarried to secure political alliances.
  • Many cultures encourage their members to intermarry to diversify genetic traits.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, intermarriage is seen as a way to strengthen alliances between families or clans.
  • Others may view it with caution, fearing the loss of cultural identity or traditions.

Historical Context

  • In the past, many societies enforced strict rules against intermarriage to preserve social class or ethnic purity.
  • The civil rights movement played a crucial role in the United States in addressing bans on interracial marriage.

Family Dynamics

  • Intermarrying can lead to diverse family narratives, blending traditions and practices from different backgrounds.
  • Children born from intermarried couples often navigate multiple cultures, enriching their personal identities.

Modern Trends

  • In many countries today, intermarriage rates are rising, showcasing increasing acceptance and globalization.
  • Social media and global communication enable people from different cultures to connect and marry more easily.

Origin of 'intermarry'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'intermaritare', which means to marry among or between.
  • It first appeared in English in the 16th century, reflecting changing social dynamics.

The term 'intermarry' is derived from the prefix 'inter-', which comes from Latin meaning 'between' or 'among', and the word 'marry', stemming from the Old French 'marier', which originated from the Latin 'maritare' meaning 'to marry'. The use of intermarry in English can be traced back to the early 19th century, reflecting changing societal norms regarding marriage across different cultural or ethnic groups. Intermarriage has often been viewed as a means of bridging divides between people and fostering greater cultural understanding, although it has also faced opposition in some societies due to historical prejudices and social norms. The concept remains relevant today as globalization increases interactions among diverse groups, leading to discussions about identity, integration, and the evolution of community dynamics.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,376 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.