What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
betrothal
Example
The betrothal ceremony was held in the presence of both families. [betrothal: noun]
Example
They announced their betrothal to their friends and family. [betrothal: noun]
engagement
Example
He proposed to her and she happily accepted his engagement ring. [engagement: noun]
Example
They celebrated their engagement with a party for their friends and family. [engagement: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Engagement is more commonly used than betrothal in everyday language. Engagement is a term that is widely understood and recognized, while betrothal is less commonly used and may have specific cultural or historical associations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between betrothal and engagement?
While betrothal is often associated with a more formal and traditional tone, engagement is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it more suitable for everyday conversations and modern relationships.