Misalliance Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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misalliance
[ˌmɪsəˈlaɪəns ]
Definition
unfortunate marriage
Misalliance refers to a marriage or union that is deemed inappropriate or unsuitable, often due to a disparity in social status or wealth between the partners. Typically, this term conveys a sense of social disapproval, highlighting that the pairing does not align with societal expectations or norms. It can also encompass situations where the couple has fundamentally different values or lifestyles, leading to a mismatch. Misalliance can sometimes reflect broader societal judgments about class or compatibility.
Synonyms
discord, ill-suited union, mismatch.
Examples of usage
- Their misalliance raised eyebrows within the community.
- She felt trapped in a misalliance that stifled her ambitions.
- Many viewed their marriage as a misalliance due to their different backgrounds.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- Notable playwright George Bernard Shaw used 'misalliance' as the title for a play, exploring themes of social class and relationships.
- The term has been utilized in various literary works to highlight the humorous or tragic failures in relationships.
- In literature, characters often face misalliances that lead to conflict and character growth.
Psychology
- Relationships often fail when individuals enter partnerships based on superficial traits rather than deeper compatibility.
- Psychological studies indicate that mismatched values and goals can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and conflict in partnerships.
- Understanding misalliance can help individuals recognize toxic relationships and encourage healthier connections.
History
- Throughout history, many royal marriages were considered misalliances due to political reasons rather than love or compatibility.
- Misalliances have often sparked significant changes in social structures or led to revolutions when individuals rebelled against enforced partnerships.
- Historical records show that misalliances were often criticized in society, exposing cultural biases regarding relationships.
Pop Culture
- In modern films and television, misalliance is a common plot device, creating tension and humor in romantic comedies.
- Reality TV often showcases misalliances, providing entertainment through the dramatization of unexpected pairings.
- Music lyrics frequently explore the theme of misalliance, addressing heartbreak and the challenges of incompatible relationships.
Origin of 'misalliance'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'misalliance' comes from the prefix 'mis-' meaning wrong or bad, combined with 'alliance', which means a partnership.
- It first appeared in the English language in the early 19th century, indicating a growing awareness of social partnerships.
- It has roots in French and Latin, showing a long history of discussing partnerships and unions.
The term 'misalliance' has its roots in the prefix 'mis-', which denotes wrongness or badness, combined with the word 'alliance', which refers to a union or connection formed between parties. 'Alliance' itself comes from the Latin word 'alliare', meaning 'to bind'. The word 'misalliance' began to be used in the English language around the late 19th century, often in literary and social contexts to describe unions that were frowned upon by society due to various reasons, including social rank or financial means. Over time, its usage has expanded to encapsulate more general meanings of incompatibility or poor matches in various types of relationships.