matrimony
MAT-ruh-moh-nee
/ˈmæt.rɪ.mə.ni/
The state or ceremony of being married; marriage as an institution.
Often used in the phrase 'holy matrimony,' it emphasizes the sacred or legal status of marriage rather than the party.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Latin 'mater' (mother) and the suffix '-monium' (state). Historically, the word emphasized that the primary legal purpose of marriage was for a woman to become a mother and produce legitimate heirs.
Word relationships
- marriage: Marriage is the general term; matrimony is more formal and often religious.
- wedlock: Wedlock is an older, more legalistic term for the state of being married.
- celibacy: The state of abstaining from marriage and sexual relations.
- singleness: The state of not being in a marital union.
Commonly confused with
- nuptials: Matrimony is the state; nuptials is the ceremony.
Word family
- matrimonial (adjective): Relating to matrimony or married people.
Collocations
- holy matrimony
- enter into matrimony
- bonds of matrimony
Example sentences
- "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony." A traditional religious service opening. (The Book of Common Prayer)
- "The laws of the state govern the requirements for entering into matrimony." Discussing the legal aspects of union.
Memory hook
Matrimony = Mother-money (historically about inheritance and motherhood). The 'mater' (mother) enters 'matrimony'.
When not to use
Do not use it to describe the party or reception; it refers to the bond itself.
Fun facts
- The suffix '-monium' is also found in 'patrimony' (inheritance from a father) and 'testimony'.
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