arranged marriage: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2formal, neutral, academic
Quick answer
What does “arranged marriage” mean?
A marriage planned and agreed upon by the families or third parties of the prospective spouses, rather than arising solely from the couple's own mutual choice and courtship.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A marriage planned and agreed upon by the families or third parties of the prospective spouses, rather than arising solely from the couple's own mutual choice and courtship.
A marital union in which partners are selected by their families based on social, economic, religious, or cultural criteria, often involving intermediaries. The individuals may or may not have veto power and may consent to the arrangement after a period of acquaintance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. In both varieties, 'arranged marriage' is the standard term.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both, though discussions in the UK often reference South Asian diaspora communities, while in the US it may be more broadly linked to various immigrant groups.
Frequency
Comparable frequency, slightly higher in UK media due to larger South Asian population and public discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “arranged marriage” in a Sentence
to have an arranged marriageto be in an arranged marriageto agree to an arranged marriageto oppose arranged marriagesVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “arranged marriage” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Their parents arranged the marriage last summer.
- She did not wish to have her marriage arranged.
American English
- The families arranged the marriage between the two graduates.
- They arranged a marriage based on shared values.
adverb
British English
- They married arrangedly, following family tradition. (rare, non-standard)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form; periphrasis used: 'Their marriage was arranged.')
adjective
British English
- They come from an arranged-marriage background.
- The arranged-marriage system is evolving.
American English
- It was an arranged-marriage situation.
- Arranged-marriage practices vary widely.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; may appear in cross-cultural HR training or diversity discussions.
Academic
Common in anthropology, sociology, gender studies, and cultural history texts.
Everyday
Used in general conversation about relationships, family, and cultural practices.
Technical
Used in legal, anthropological, and sociological discourse with specific definitions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “arranged marriage”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “arranged marriage”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “arranged marriage”
- Confusing 'arranged marriage' with 'forced marriage' (the latter lacks consent). Using 'arranged wedding' instead of 'arranged marriage' (wedding is the ceremony).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. An arranged marriage involves families selecting partners, but with the consent of the individuals. A forced marriage occurs without the free and informed consent of one or both parties.
Often, yes. Love may develop after marriage. The concept is sometimes described as 'love growing' rather than 'love at first sight'.
Practices are common in parts of South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh), the Middle East, Africa, and among diaspora communities worldwide. Forms exist in many cultures historically.
Yes, especially in South Asia and among conservative communities globally, though practices are often modernized, with individuals having more say and using technology (e.g., matrimonial sites).
A marriage planned and agreed upon by the families or third parties of the prospective spouses, rather than arising solely from the couple's own mutual choice and courtship.
Arranged marriage is usually formal, neutral, academic in register.
Arranged marriage: in British English it is pronounced /əˌreɪndʒd ˈmær.ɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˌreɪndʒd ˈmer.ɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a match made by the families”
- “to marry by arrangement”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'arranged' like arranging furniture—someone else sets it up for you, based on a plan. 'Marriage' is the lifelong room you'll live in.
Conceptual Metaphor
MARRIAGE IS A CONTRACT / MARRIAGE IS A SOCIAL ALLIANCE
Practice
Quiz
What is a key distinction between an arranged marriage and a forced marriage?