civil union: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Legal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “civil union” mean?
A legally recognized partnership between two people, granting them some or all of the legal rights and responsibilities of marriage.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A legally recognized partnership between two people, granting them some or all of the legal rights and responsibilities of marriage.
A legal status created primarily to provide recognition and rights to same-sex couples before the legalization of same-sex marriage. It can also refer to a secular, non-religious partnership ceremony.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'civil partnership' is the official, more common term for a similar legal construct. In the US, 'civil union' is the standard term, though its relevance has diminished with nationwide marriage equality.
Connotations
In the US, it often carries connotations of a 'second-class' status compared to marriage. In the UK, 'civil partnership' was initially for same-sex couples but was later opened to opposite-sex couples, changing its connotations.
Frequency
Higher frequency in US English, especially in historical/legal contexts post-2000. In UK English, 'civil partnership' is far more frequent.
Grammar
How to Use “civil union” in a Sentence
enter into a civil union (with)be in a civil union (with)dissolve a civil unionhave a civil union recognizedVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “civil union” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The couple will civilly unite in a ceremony next month.
- They are planning to enter a civil partnership.
American English
- The couple will have a civil union ceremony in Vermont.
- They decided to legally unite in a civil union.
adverb
British English
- They are civilly united.
- The partnership was civilly registered.
American English
- They are legally united in a civil union.
- The contract was civilly binding.
adjective
British English
- They sought civil-partnership advice.
- The civil-union certificate arrived.
American English
- They have civil-union status.
- The civil-union benefits were explained.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In HR contexts regarding employee benefits for partners.
Academic
In legal, sociological, or political science papers discussing relationship recognition.
Everyday
When discussing a couple's legal status, though 'marriage' is now more common.
Technical
In legal documents specifying the type of contractual relationship between two individuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “civil union”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “civil union”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “civil union”
- Using 'civil union' interchangeably with 'marriage' without acknowledging legal differences.
- Capitalising it unnecessarily (unless starting a sentence or in a title).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'They civil-unioned last year' is incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While they offer similar legal rights and responsibilities in many areas, they are distinct legal statuses. Marriage is often more widely recognized, especially internationally, and carries different social and symbolic weight.
It depends on the jurisdiction. Initially, most civil union laws were for same-sex couples. However, some places, like the UK (as civil partnerships) and several US states, have since opened them to opposite-sex couples.
Typically, the couple must legally dissolve their civil union before marrying, or the marriage automatically supersedes and nullifies the civil union, depending on local laws. Legal advice is essential.
Following the legalization of same-sex marriage in many countries (e.g., US in 2015, UK in 2014), the primary reason for creating new civil unions diminished, as couples could opt for full marriage equality. Existing civil unions often remain valid.
A legally recognized partnership between two people, granting them some or all of the legal rights and responsibilities of marriage.
Civil union is usually formal, legal, academic in register.
Civil union: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɪv.əl ˈjuː.njən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɪv.əl ˈjuː.njən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A union of hearts and laws”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CIVIL (as in civic, legal) UNION (joining). It's a union recognized by civil (not religious) law.
Conceptual Metaphor
LEGAL RECOGNITION IS A BOND.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'civil union' most precisely used?