best man: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1neutral
Quick answer
What does “best man” mean?
The man chosen by a bridegroom to be his chief attendant and supporter at a wedding.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The man chosen by a bridegroom to be his chief attendant and supporter at a wedding.
The principal groomsman who assists the groom before and during the wedding ceremony, often responsible for organizing the bachelor party, safeguarding the wedding rings, and giving a speech at the reception.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The role and core duties are identical. Minor cultural differences exist in pre-wedding events (e.g., 'stag do' vs. 'bachelor party').
Connotations
Identical in both varieties. Connotes friendship, trust, and responsibility.
Frequency
Equally common and standard in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “best man” in a Sentence
[Groom] asked [Friend] to be his best man.[Best man] gave a speech.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not typically used in business contexts.
Academic
May appear in anthropological, sociological, or cultural studies discussing marriage rituals.
Everyday
Primarily used in social and personal contexts related to wedding planning and ceremonies.
Technical
Not a technical term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “best man”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “best man”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “best man”
- Using it as an adjective (e.g., 'He is a best man friend' – incorrect).
- Confusing it with 'man of honour' (which is the equivalent role for a bride).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditionally, no. The role is male-specific. A female equivalent for a bride is the 'maid of honour' or 'matron of honour'. However, in modern weddings, a groom may choose a female friend as his 'best woman' or 'man of honour', though these are non-traditional terms.
Typically, the best man is entrusted with safeguarding the wedding rings until the moment in the ceremony when they are exchanged. He usually holds them in a pocket or a small box.
Usually, but not necessarily. The groom chooses someone he trusts deeply, which is most often a brother or a very close friend, but it can be another relative or a significant person in his life.
Conventionally, the father of the bride speaks first at the wedding reception, followed by the groom, and then the best man. However, the order can vary depending on cultural or personal preferences.
The man chosen by a bridegroom to be his chief attendant and supporter at a wedding.
Best man is usually neutral in register.
Best man: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbest ˈmæn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbest ˈmæn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: The groom's BEST friend becomes the BEST MAN for the job on the wedding day.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SUPPORTER IS A PILLAR (e.g., 'He was my rock throughout the planning').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary duty of a best man?