pre-marital
Before the wedding
Pre-marital describes something that occurs or exists before marriage.
The term most commonly appears in pre-marital sex—sexual activity between people who aren't yet married—and pre-marital counseling, guidance for engaged couples.
The hyphen is optional; *premarital* is equally standard.
Pursuing romantic connections
- courtshipSeeking another's romantic favor
- engagementCommitment to wed or attend
- betrothalFormal marriage agreement
- fiancéMan pledged to marry
fiancée · proposal · compatibility · commitment · romance · exclusivity · intention · promise
Professional guidance for problems
- purityUncontaminated quality
- chastityAbstaining from sexual activity
- abstinenceVoluntary forgoing of indulgences
- vowsSolemn binding promises
blessing · ceremony · clergy · preparation · sacrament · confession · guidance · covenant
Reproductive category or act
- cohabitationDwelling together unmarried
- physicalOf body or matter
- relationsConnections or dealings
- boundariesLines marking separation
abstinence · celibacy · contraception · pregnancy · testing · consent · expectations · communication
Before the wedding
- agreementShared position between parties
- contractEnforceable written agreement
- assetsOwned items of value
- propertySomething owned or inherent
disclosure · inheritance · rights · cohabitation · common-law · settlement · custody · finances
dating
Pursuing romantic connections
- courtshipSeeking another's romantic favor
- engagementCommitment to wed or attend
- betrothalFormal marriage agreement
fiancé · fiancée · proposal · compatibility · commitment · romance · exclusivity · intention · promise · dowry
counseling
Professional guidance for problems
- purityUncontaminated quality
- chastityAbstaining from sexual activity
- abstinenceVoluntary forgoing of indulgences
vows · blessing · ceremony · clergy · preparation · sacrament · confession · guidance · covenant · sin
sex
Reproductive category or act
- cohabitationDwelling together unmarried
- physicalOf body or matter
- relationsConnections or dealings
boundaries · abstinence · celibacy · contraception · pregnancy · testing · consent · expectations · communication · trial
prenuptial
Before the wedding
- agreementShared position between parties
- contractEnforceable written agreement
- assetsOwned items of value
property · disclosure · inheritance · rights · cohabitation · common-law · settlement · custody · finances · estate