Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/bɪˈtroʊðəl/

Definitions

• 1. The formal engagement to be married.
• 2. A pledge or promise of marriage, usually accompanied by a ceremonial act.

Usage Examples

• The betrothal ceremony was held at the bride's family home.
• They announced their betrothal after a year of courtship.

Etymology

The word "betrothal" originates from the Middle English "betrothe," which comes from Old English "betroht," meaning "promised in marriage," derived from "be-" (intensive prefix) and "troth" (meaning faith or promise). The suffix "-al" denotes a state or condition, thus "betrothal" means the state of being engaged.

Synonyms

• Engagement
• Promise
• Affiance
• Commitment

Antonyms

• Divorce
• Separation
• Uncommitment

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, the pronunciation is typically /bɪˈtroʊðəl/.
• In British English, it may be pronounced more like /bɪˈtrəʊðəl/.

Historical Usage

Betrothal was historically a formal, legally binding engagement between two families, often arranged by parents. The term was used in medieval and Renaissance times, reflecting the social and legal importance of marriage as an alliance between families rather than merely a union of individuals.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, betrothal is an essential step in the journey toward marriage. It is often celebrated with ceremonies, and in some places, betrothal could only be broken with formal legal action. The act of betrothal has distinct cultural significance and varies in its social expectations across different regions.

More Information

Betrothal, though not as common today in Western cultures, remains an important part of marriage traditions in many parts of the world, including South Asia, where families still engage in formal engagement ceremonies. The term 'betrothal' is sometimes used in modern literature and art to evoke older customs or to convey the significance of formal commitments in a romantic context.