betrothing
Agreeing to wed
Betrothing is the act of formally promising someone in marriage.
The word belongs to an older, more ceremonial register than modern engagement: The king set about betrothing his daughter to a foreign prince.
Parents once did the betrothing; now couples betroth themselves, when the word appears at all.
Commitment to wed or attend
- vowsSolemn binding promises
- pledgeBinding promise given
- plightDifficult, dangerous situation
- bannsFormal notice of intended nuptials
espousal · handfasting · blessing · altar · chapel · priest · pastor · celebrant
Marital property transfer
- courtshipSeeking another's romantic favor
- matchmakingArranging romantic connections
- bridepricePayment for marriage rights
- trousseauBride's gathered possessions
banns · handfasting · chaperone · wooing · arrangement · consent · blessing · negotiation
Binding promise given
- vowSolemn personal commitment
- oathFormal binding promise
- bondBinding tie or connection
- plightDifficult, dangerous situation
affiance · covenant · compact · dedication · devotion · allegiance · loyalty · fealty
Man pledged to marry
- fiancéeEngaged woman
- affiancedEngaged to marry
- matchGame between opponents
- allianceFormal union of parties
partnership · couple · pair · intended · suitor · beloved · promised · joining
Marriage rite and feast
- marriageFormal union between partners
- nuptialsVows and rings
- matrimonyLegal union of spouses
- bridegroomNewly wed man
bride · groom · bridal · honeymoon · wedlock · planning · preparation · anticipation
engagement
Commitment to wed or attend
banns · espousal · handfasting · blessing · altar · chapel · priest · pastor · celebrant · officiant
dowry
Marital property transfer
- courtshipSeeking another's romantic favor
- matchmakingArranging romantic connections
- bridepricePayment for marriage rights
trousseau · banns · handfasting · chaperone · wooing · arrangement · consent · blessing · negotiation · contract
pledge
Binding promise given
plight · affiance · covenant · compact · dedication · devotion · allegiance · loyalty · fealty · intention
fiancé
Man pledged to marry
alliance · partnership · couple · pair · intended · suitor · beloved · promised · joining · merger
wedding
Marriage rite and feast
bridegroom · bride · groom · bridal · honeymoon · wedlock · planning · preparation · anticipation · prospect
betrothingdivorcing
Terminating a marriage legally
annulling · jilting · separating · abandoning · nullifying
betrothingreleasing
Allowing to escape
freeing · unbinding · liberating · disengaging · rejecting
truth, truthful, betrothed, betrothal, betroth, troth, espousing, betrothals, betroths