betroth
What does "betroth" mean?
To betroth means to enter into a formal agreement to marry, typically involving a promise made between two individuals or their families. The mental image is that of a solemn, binding commitment—often represented by the exchange of a ring or a formal announcement—that serves as a bridge between being single and being joined in matrimony. While the word is rooted in history and tradition, it is rarely used in everyday conversation today. You will most often encounter it in period dramas, historical literature, or formal announcements where the speaker wishes to emphasize the gravity and official nature of an engagement. It is almost exclusively used in the passive voice, such as "to be betrothed to someone."
"betroth" in conversation
Discussing a historical drama
I can't believe the prince was betrothed to her since he was a child.
I can't believe the prince was betrothed to her since he was a child.
It was just a political arrangement, not exactly a love match.
It was just a political arrangement, not exactly a love match.
Used here to describe a formal, often involuntary, historical arrangement.
Reading an old novel
Notice how the author says they are betrothed rather than just engaged.
Notice how the author says they are betrothed rather than just engaged.
It sounds much more serious and final, doesn't it?
It sounds much more serious and final, doesn't it?
Highlights the difference in tone between the modern 'engaged' and the formal 'betrothed'.
"betroth" in a sentence
The princess was betrothed to a foreign duke.
The princess was betrothed to a foreign duke.
They have been betrothed since the day they were born, according to family tradition.
They have been betrothed since the day they were born, according to family tradition.
The ancient scroll detailed the terms upon which the two noble houses became betrothed.
The ancient scroll detailed the terms upon which the two noble houses became betrothed.
