betrothal Definition
- 1the act of promising to marry someone
- 2a mutual promise or agreement to marry
Using betrothal: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "betrothal" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Their betrothal was announced in the local newspaper.
Example
The couple celebrated their betrothal with a party.
Example
In some cultures, betrothal is followed by a period of engagement before the wedding.
betrothal Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for betrothal
- engagement
- espousal
- promise
- troth
- fiancé(e)
Phrases with betrothal
Example
She broke off her betrothal to him when she found out he had been unfaithful.
betrothal ceremony
a formal event or ritual that marks the engagement or promise to marry
Example
The betrothal ceremony was held in the bride's family home.
Example
He gave her a beautiful diamond betrothal ring.
Origins of betrothal
from Middle English 'betrothen', meaning 'to promise', from Old English 'betǣcan', meaning 'to entrust'
Summary: betrothal in Brief
The term 'betrothal' [bɪˈtrəʊð(ə)l] refers to the act of promising to marry someone, often marked by a ceremony or exchange of rings. It is similar to an engagement, and may be followed by a period of waiting before the wedding. Examples include 'Their betrothal was announced in the local newspaper,' and 'In some cultures, betrothal is followed by a period of engagement before the wedding.'