intermarriage
B2Formal, academic, sociological
Definition
Meaning
The act or practice of marrying between members of different groups, such as different races, religions, tribes, or social classes.
The interbreeding or union between different species or varieties in biology; the merging of different cultural or institutional practices through such unions.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily refers to marriage between distinct social, ethnic, or religious groups. In historical contexts, often discusses laws, taboos, or social acceptance. Can carry neutral, positive (integration), or negative (cultural dilution) connotations depending on context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is nearly identical. 'Intermarriage' is slightly more common in UK academic/sociological writing, while US usage may more frequently specify 'interracial marriage' or 'interfaith marriage'.
Connotations
In both, the term is formal. In the UK, it may historically reference class or religious barriers (e.g., Anglican/Nonconformist). In the US, it more strongly connotes racial/ethnic boundaries, especially post-Loving v. Virginia.
Frequency
Moderate frequency in relevant contexts (sociology, history, demography). Rare in casual conversation.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Intermarriage between X and YIntermarriage of X with YIntermarriage among Xto promote/prohibit/encourage intermarriageVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specifically with 'intermarriage'. The concept is expressed directly.]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in sociology, anthropology, history, and demography to discuss social integration, assimilation, or boundary maintenance.
Everyday
Rare in casual talk; replaced by phrases like 'mixed marriage' or 'marrying outside their group'.
Technical
Used in genetics (plant/animal breeding), sociology (social mobility metrics).
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The degree of intermarriage between the Anglican and Catholic communities was historically low.
- Anthropologists studied the intermarriage among the Highland clans.
- The report highlighted a steady increase in intermarriage rates.
American English
- Intermarriage between Black and White Americans was illegal in many states until 1967.
- High levels of intermarriage are seen as an indicator of assimilation.
- The law forbade intermarriage with members of the neighbouring tribe.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Their families were surprised by the intermarriage.
- Is intermarriage common in your country?
- The two communities have a long history of intermarriage.
- Some traditional groups discourage intermarriage with outsiders.
- Social scientists argue that rising rates of intermarriage reflect diminishing prejudices.
- The royal family's statutes once strictly prohibited intermarriage with commoners.
- The geneticist posited that centuries of intermarriage had homogenised the population's gene pool.
- Legislation targeting intermarriage was a cornerstone of the apartheid regime's social engineering.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
INTER (between) + MARRIAGE. Think of a bridge *between* different groups created by marriage.
Conceptual Metaphor
BRIDGE/CONNECTOR (intermarriage bridges communities), MELTING POT (intermarriage as a mechanism for blending), BARRIER BREACH (intermarriage breaks down social walls).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'брак по расчёту' (marriage of convenience). Русский 'межнациональный брак' часто точнее передаётся как 'interethnic marriage', хотя 'intermarriage' тоже подходит. Прямого однокоренного слова нет.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'intermarriage' to mean 'remarriage' or 'second marriage'.
- Confusing with 'arranged marriage'.
- Incorrectly using as a verb ('They intermarriaged'). Correct verb form is 'intermarry'.
- Misspelling as 'intermaridge'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a direct antonym of 'intermarriage' in sociological terms?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a formal, neutral term. Its connotation depends entirely on context and speaker perspective. It can be positive (celebrating integration) or negative (lamenting loss of purity).
Yes, it can, though 'international marriage' or 'cross-national marriage' might be more precise. 'Intermarriage' broadly covers any distinct social groups, including nationalities.
The verb is 'to intermarry'. Example: 'The two tribes have intermarried for generations.'
'Intermarriage' is the standard neutral term. 'Miscegenation' is an older, often pejorative term specifically for sexual relations or marriage between people of different races, and is now largely historical or offensive.