Vocabulary Spotlight
Betroth
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: To formally engage or promise someone to marry.
“In many cultures, families still betroth their children as part of arranged marriages.”
Pronunciation
[bih-troth]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Pledge
Affiance
Promise
Commit
Antonyms
Separate
Break off
Disengage
Annul
Related Words
Fiancé(e)
Marriage
Word Origin
The word “betroth” comes from the Middle English “bitreowen,” meaning “to pledge to marry,” and traces its roots further back to the Old English “treowðe,” meaning “truth” or “pledge.” The word is closely related to the idea of a solemn promise or vow.
Word Family
Noun: Betrothal – The act of engagement or formal agreement to marry.
Related Noun: Fiancé / Fiancée – The person engaged to be married.
Mnemonics
Remember “Betroth” as “Be + Troth (truth)” — A pledge of truth and commitment in marriage.
Industry-specific Usage
Culture
In various cultural traditions, betrothal ceremonies mark the formal engagement of a couple, often involving rituals and family agreements.
Legal
In some legal systems, betrothals carry binding implications and may require formal annulment if broken.
History
Historically, betrothals were used as political tools to form alliances between powerful families or nations.
In Context
Betrothal represents a formal commitment to marry, often symbolizing trust, future promises, and a merging of families. In modern society, engagements often serve as more flexible counterparts to historical betrothals.