companionate marriage: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Academic, Sociological, Formal
Quick answer
What does “companionate marriage” mean?
A marriage in which the partners agree not to have children and live together primarily for companionship and mutual support, rather than romantic love.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A marriage in which the partners agree not to have children and live together primarily for companionship and mutual support, rather than romantic love.
Historically, a sociological term for a modern marriage focused on equality, friendship, and shared interests, often contrasted with traditional marriages based on economic necessity or dynastic arrangement. It implies a formal, affectionate partnership without the expectation of intense passion or a large family.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition or usage. The term is used in sociological literature in both regions.
Connotations
Neutral to slightly dated academic term in both. May implicitly contrast with 'romantic marriage' or 'traditional marriage'.
Frequency
Very low frequency in everyday language. Higher frequency in historical/sociological academic texts.
Grammar
How to Use “companionate marriage” in a Sentence
The couple entered into a companionate marriage.Their marriage was companionate in nature.She advocated for the companionate marriage model.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “companionate marriage” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- They maintained a companionate relationship for decades.
- The study focused on companionate love in later life.
American English
- Their marriage became more companionate over the years.
- He wrote about the rise of companionate family ideals.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in sociology, history, and gender studies to describe a specific historical model of marital relations.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used in very formal discussions about relationships.
Technical
A specific term in family sociology and historical studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “companionate marriage”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “companionate marriage”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “companionate marriage”
- Using it to mean a 'loveless marriage' (it implies affection, just not passion).
- Using it as a synonym for any modern marriage.
- Pronouncing 'companionate' as /ˈkɒm.pə.ni.eɪt/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It specifically involves affection, deep friendship, and mutual support. It is distinct from a 'loveless' or 'empty shell' marriage. The love is companionate rather than passionately romantic.
The core, traditional sociological definition typically excludes procreation as a primary goal. However, in broader modern usage, it might describe a marriage where companionship is the central pillar, even if children are present.
It is primarily an academic and historical term. You are unlikely to hear it in everyday conversation about modern relationships.
A 'marriage of convenience' implies a pragmatic arrangement, often for legal, financial, or immigration reasons, with little expectation of emotional intimacy. A companionate marriage is explicitly based on genuine affection and companionship, even if romance is minimal.
A marriage in which the partners agree not to have children and live together primarily for companionship and mutual support, rather than romantic love.
Companionate marriage is usually academic, sociological, formal in register.
Companionate marriage: in British English it is pronounced /kəmˈpæn.jə.nət ˈmær.ɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəmˈpæn.jə.nət ˈmer.ɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A marriage of true minds (literary, related concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think COMPANION + ATE (having eaten together) + MARRIAGE → a marriage where the main ingredient is companionship.
Conceptual Metaphor
MARRIAGE IS A PARTNERSHIP (emphasizing the business/team aspect over the romantic/familial).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a key characteristic of a companionate marriage?