English Reference
Noun

matrimony

n.
C1 Advanced US /ˈmætɹəˌmoʊni/ UK /mˈætɹɪməni/ mat·ri·mo·ny UK spelling matrimonies

n.the state of being married. It is an old-fashioned word that people use to talk about marriage in a formal or serious way.

n.the state or condition of being married. Often used in formal or literary contexts to describe the institution of marriage.


SIMPLE

The couple celebrated their fiftieth anniversary of matrimony.

CONTEXTUAL

The ceremony was a traditional celebration of matrimony, featuring a long history of family traditions.

COMPLEX

The philosopher argued that matrimony is not merely a legal contract but a profound social and spiritual bond that requires lifelong commitment.


From Old French matremoine, from Latin mātrimōnium (“marriage, wedlock”), from mātri(s) (“mother”) + -mōnium (“obligation”). By surface analysis, matri- + -mony. Compare patrimony.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated