benedict: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowLiterary/Humorous
Quick answer
What does “benedict” mean?
A man who has recently married, especially one who has been a bachelor for a long time.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A man who has recently married, especially one who has been a bachelor for a long time.
A newly married man, particularly one who was previously considered a confirmed bachelor; also used historically in Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing for the character Benedict, giving rise to this meaning.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally rare and literary in both varieties, with no significant usage differences.
Connotations
Both share the connotation of a long-term bachelor who finally marries, often with a touch of affectionate humour or mild surprise.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Slightly more likely to be recognised by readers of classic literature.
Grammar
How to Use “benedict” in a Sentence
[determiner] + benedictVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in literary analysis of Shakespeare or historical language studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “benedict”
- Using it as a general synonym for 'husband' or 'groom' without the specific connotation of a former long-term bachelor.
- Confusing it with the proper name Benedict.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare, literary, or humorous term. In everyday language, 'newlywed' or 'groom' is used.
No, it is specifically masculine. The equivalent for a woman, derived from the same play, is 'Beatrice', but this is even rarer.
Yes, that connotation is central to the meaning. It suggests a significant change in lifestyle.
Etymologically, yes, both come from Latin 'benedicere' (to bless), but their meanings in modern English are completely separate.
A man who has recently married, especially one who has been a bachelor for a long time.
Benedict is usually literary/humorous in register.
Benedict: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɛnɪdɪkt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɛnəˌdɪkt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a regular Benedict”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of Benedict from Shakespeare who swore off marriage but ended up a husband—a 'benedict' is a bachelor who 'benedict'-ed (blessed) his single life goodbye.
Conceptual Metaphor
MARRIAGE IS A TRANSFORMATION (from free bachelor to settled husband).
Practice
Quiz
In which famous Shakespeare play does the character that gave us the word 'benedict' appear?