Marry Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’
Add to dictionary

marry

[หˆmรฆri ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

social

To legally or formally bind two people in marriage; to join in matrimony.

Synonyms

take vows, tie the knot, wed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
marry

General term for entering into a marriage; formal and common.

  • They decided to marry in a small ceremony
  • When are they going to marry?
wed

More formal and less commonly used in everyday speech; often seen in written form and announcements.

  • They are planning to wed next summer
  • The couple wed in an elegant ceremony
tie the knot

Informal and colloquial; often used in casual conversation.

  • They finally decided to tie the knot after being together for five years
  • When are you two going to tie the knot?
take vows

Often used in the context of the wedding ceremony, focusing on the commitment aspect.

  • The couple is ready to take their vows this weekend
  • They took their vows in front of family and friends

Examples of usage

  • They decided to marry in a small ceremony.
  • Sarah and John are getting married next month.
  • I want to marry someone who shares my values and beliefs.
Context #2 | Verb

figurative

To combine or unite in a close, loving relationship.

Synonyms

blend, harmonize, merge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
marry

Used typically to describe the union between two people through a wedding ceremony. It can also be metaphorically used to describe the combination of two concepts or entities.

  • They decided to marry in the summer.
  • The author marries humor and drama seamlessly in their book.
blend

Appropriate for describing the combination of different elements into a smooth and unified mixture. Often used in the context of cooking, art, or colors.

  • Blend the soup until it's completely smooth.
  • Her dress blends shades of blue and green.
merge

Suitable for describing the combination of two or more entities into a single one, often used in business, technology, or traffic. The term can carry a neutral or technical tone.

  • The two largest companies decided to merge.
  • The rivers merge into a single stream.
harmonize

Used when referring to creating a pleasing and balanced combination, particularly in music. It can also describe achieving unity or agreement among different elements.

  • The choir members harmonize beautifully.
  • Their ideas harmonize well with each other, making it a successful project.

Examples of usage

  • The flavors of the ingredients marry together perfectly in this dish.
  • Her passion for music and his love for painting marry beautifully in their collaborative projects.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Practices

  • Different cultures have unique wedding traditions, such as the Indian 'saat phere', which involves seven circles around a sacred fire.
  • In many Western cultures, the concept of a white wedding dress symbolizes purity, first popularized by Queen Victoria in the 19th century.
  • Some Indigenous communities have ceremonies that celebrate not just the couple but also their families and community.

Legal Aspects

  • In many countries, marrying involves legal contracts that outline rights and responsibilities between partners.
  • The age of consent for marriage varies widely across cultures and countries, reflecting different societal views on adulthood.
  • Same-sex marriage has become legal in numerous countries over the last two decades, reflecting changing attitudes towards love and equality.

Ritual and Symbolism

  • Exchanging rings during a marriage ceremony symbolizes eternal love and commitment.
  • The idea of 'tying the knot' comes from ancient traditions where a couple would literally tie a knot as a symbol of their union.
  • Some cultures incorporate specific rituals, such as jumping over a broom, to signify the start of a married life.

Psychology

  • Studies show that couples who marry often report higher levels of happiness compared to those who remain single.
  • Marrying can influence health positively, with married individuals tending to have lower stress and better mental health.
  • The 'honeymoon phase' refers to the initial period after marriage, characterized by intense intimacy and joy.

Origin of 'marry'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'marry' comes from the Latin 'maritare', which means to join or to wed.
  • In Old French, the word was 'marier', which also means to marry or to take a spouse.
  • Historically, marriages were often arranged for political alliances, not just love.

The word 'marry' has its origins in Middle English, from the Old French word 'marier', which means 'to marry'. The concept of marriage has been a fundamental part of human societies throughout history, with various cultural and legal implications. The word has evolved to encompass not only the legal union of two individuals but also the idea of combining or uniting in a broader sense.


See also: marital, marriage, married.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,931, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.