Word
matrimony
Phoneticsmat·ri·mo·ny, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmætɹəˌmoʊni/
UK/mˈætɹɪməni/
Uncountable noun
Definition
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.
Examples
“The couple celebrated their fiftieth anniversary of matrimony.”
“The ceremony was a traditional celebration of matrimony, featuring a long history of family traditions.”
“The philosopher argued that matrimony is not merely a legal contract but a profound social and spiritual bond that requires lifelong commitment.”
Examples
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.”
Etymology
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.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/matrimony