betrothed: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low Frequency (C2)Formal, Literary, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “betrothed” mean?
A person engaged to be married.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person engaged to be married.
Formally and solemnly promised in marriage; used to refer to either the man or woman in such a formal engagement. It can also refer to the state of being formally engaged.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. It is equally formal and low-frequency in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes formality, tradition, and sometimes a bygone era. It can sound poetic or legalistic.
Frequency
Rare in everyday speech in both regions. Slightly more likely to be encountered in historical novels, period dramas, or very formal wedding contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “betrothed” in a Sentence
be betrothed to [SOMEONE][SOMEONE]'s betrothedVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “betrothed” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The two families betrothed their children while they were still in school.
- She was betrothed to a man she had never met.
American English
- Their parents betrothed them as part of a business arrangement.
- He had been betrothed to his cousin.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form in use.
American English
- No standard adverbial form in use.
adjective
British English
- The betrothed couple exchanged rings in a private ceremony.
- Her betrothed husband was away at sea.
American English
- All betrothed pairs were invited to the pre-marriage class.
- They made plans for their betrothed life together.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, literary, or anthropological studies discussing marriage customs.
Everyday
Extremely rare. 'Fiancé(e)' is the universal modern term.
Technical
May appear in legal or ecclesiastical texts regarding historical marriage contracts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “betrothed”
- Using it in casual conversation. Incorrect: *'I'd like you to meet my betrothed, Steve.' Correct (modern): 'I'd like you to meet my fiancé, Steve.'
- Treating it as only an adjective. It is commonly a noun: 'He introduced her as his betrothed.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered formal, literary, and somewhat archaic. The common modern terms are 'fiancé' (for a man) and 'fiancée' (for a woman).
Yes, unlike 'fiancé/fiancée', 'betrothed' is gender-neutral. You can say 'He is my betrothed' or 'She is my betrothed'.
They are synonyms, but 'betrothed' implies a more formal, solemn, and often traditional or historical promise. 'Engaged' is the neutral, modern term.
It is most frequently encountered as a noun (e.g., 'I must speak to my betrothed'). Its use as an adjective ('the betrothed couple') is less common but correct.
A person engaged to be married.
Betrothed is usually formal, literary, archaic in register.
Betrothed: in British English it is pronounced /bɪˈtrəʊðd/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɪˈtroʊðd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Troth plighted (archaic, related concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Be-TROTH-ed'. A 'troth' is an old word for a promise of faithfulness. So, you are 'be-promised' to someone.
Conceptual Metaphor
MARRIAGE IS A BINDING CONTRACT (the word evokes the formal, pledged nature of the contract).
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts would the word 'betrothed' be MOST appropriate?