dowry Definition
property or money brought by a bride to her husband on their marriage.
Using dowry: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "dowry" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The dowry was a significant amount of money.
Example
The groom's family demanded a large dowry.
Example
She received a generous dowry from her parents.
Example
The dowry system is illegal in many countries.
dowry Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for dowry
- portion
- settlement
- bride price
- dower
Phrases with dowry
the murder or suicide of a woman who is unable to meet the demands of her husband or his family for a greater dowry
Example
Dowry deaths are still prevalent in some parts of the world.
a law enacted in India in 1961 that prohibits the request, payment, or acceptance of a dowry
Example
The Dowry Prohibition Act has been amended several times since its enactment.
the act of harassing a woman and her family for a greater dowry
Example
The bride's family filed a complaint against the groom's family for dowry harassment.
Origins of dowry
from Middle English 'doweri', from Old French 'doaire', from Medieval Latin 'dotarium', from Latin 'dos', meaning 'dowry'
Summary: dowry in Brief
The term 'dowry' [ˈdaʊəri] refers to property or money that a bride brings to her husband upon marriage. It is often a significant amount of money and can be a source of conflict between families. The dowry system is illegal in many countries. Phrases like 'dowry death' and 'dowry harassment' refer to the negative consequences of this practice.