Definition and Pronunciation
Marriage is a legally, socially, or culturally recognized union between two people that establishes rights, responsibilities, and commitments between the partners. In many societies, marriage also creates legal relationships with family members and may involve shared financial, emotional, and parental responsibilities.
Pronunciation: MAR-ij
Easy Explanation
Marriage is a committed relationship that is recognized by law, religion, culture, or society, depending on the country or community. People marry for many reasons, including love, companionship, family, shared values, legal recognition, or religious beliefs.
Marriage practices vary around the world. In some places, marriage is available only to opposite-sex couples, while in others it is also legally recognized for same-sex couples.
Grammatical Formation
- Part of speech: Noun
- Plural form: Marriages
- Related verb: Marry
- Related adjective:Married
- Related terms:Spouse, wedding, civil union
Word Comparisons
Marriage vs. Wedding
A marriage is the ongoing legal or social relationship between spouses. A wedding is the ceremony in which the marriage begins.
Marriage vs. Civil Union
A civil union is a legally recognized partnership available in some jurisdictions that may provide some or many of the legal rights of marriage. The legal status and benefits vary by country or region.
Marriage vs. Cohabitation
Cohabitation means living together in an intimate relationship without necessarily being legally married. Marriage generally carries legal rights and responsibilities that cohabitation may not.
Marriage vs. Partnership
A partnership is a broad term for a committed relationship. A marriage is a partnership that is legally, socially, culturally, or religiously recognized.
Connotations
The word marriage generally has positive or neutral connotations. It is commonly associated with commitment, family, partnership, love, mutual support, responsibility, and shared life goals.
Meaning with Prepositions
Marriage to
Example: Alex is married to Jordan.
Marriage between
Example: The marriage between the two partners lasted many years.
Marriage of
Example: Their marriage was celebrated with family and friends.
Marriage under
Example: The couple married under local civil law.
Real-Life Examples
Many married couples share responsibilities such as managing finances, supporting one another emotionally, raising children, or making important life decisions together. Some marriages are religious ceremonies, while others are civil ceremonies conducted by government officials. Marriage customs, legal requirements, and cultural traditions differ around the world.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- Divorce(termination of a marriage)
- Separation (context-dependent)
- Single life (context-dependent)
Related Terms
- Marry
- Married
- Spouse
- Husband
- Wife
- Partner
- Wedding
- Civil union
- Family
- Commitment
- Relationship
- Parenthood
- Humansexuality
- Love
- Cohabitation
Common Collocations
- Happy marriage
- Successful marriage
- Marriage certificate
- Marriage ceremony
- Marriage license
- Marriage equality
- Marriage counseling
- Marriage proposal
- Marriage relationship
- Marriage laws
- Marriage rights
- Long-lasting marriage
Idiomatic and Figurative Usage
The word marriage appears in several figurative expressions.
Examples:
- A marriage of ideas – a successful combination of concepts.
- A marriage of convenience – a relationship formed mainly for practical reasons rather than affection.
- The marriage of tradition and innovation – combining old and new approaches.
These expressions use marriage metaphorically and do not refer to a legal or romantic union.
Sample Sentences
- Marriage is recognized differently across countries and cultures.
- Many couples choose marriage as a lifelong commitment.
- A marriage involves shared rights and responsibilities.
- Marriage ceremonies vary according to cultural and religious traditions.
- Healthy marriages are often built on trust and communication.
- Marriage laws differ around the world.
- Some countries legally recognize same-sex marriage, while others do not.
- Respect and mutual understanding contribute to strong marriages.
Connection to Sexuality
Marriage is closely related to human sexuality, romantic relationships, and family life, but it is not the same as sexual orientation or gender identity. People of many different sexual orientations and gender identities may choose to marry where it is legally recognized.
Marriage may involve emotional intimacy, sexual relationships, shared responsibilities, and, for some couples, raising children. Understanding marriage helps distinguish between legal relationships, romantic partnerships, sexual orientation, and gender identity, promoting accurate and respectful discussions about relationships and human sexuality.
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