mariage de convenance: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C1-C2)Formal, literary
Quick answer
What does “mariage de convenance” mean?
A marriage arranged for practical, financial, or social reasons rather than for love.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A marriage arranged for practical, financial, or social reasons rather than for love.
By extension, any partnership, alliance, or arrangement entered into primarily for practical or strategic benefit rather than genuine affinity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The phrase is used and understood in both varieties with the same core meaning. It is marginally more common in British English due to historical and cultural ties with France.
Connotations
Consistently implies a pragmatic, often loveless union. The negative connotation is slightly stronger in modern general use.
Frequency
A low-frequency term in both regions, found more in formal writing, historical contexts, or political commentary than in everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “mariage de convenance” in a Sentence
[a/an] mariage de convenance between [X] and [Y]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically to describe a corporate merger or partnership undertaken solely for financial or market-share benefits, with no shared culture or vision.
Academic
Used in historical, sociological, or literary analysis to describe marital practices among aristocracy or bourgeoisie, or as a concept in political theory for state alliances.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might be used descriptively for a relationship perceived as lacking genuine affection.
Technical
Not typically used in technical fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mariage de convenance”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mariage de convenance”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mariage de convenance”
- Misspelling: 'marriage de convenience' (mixing English and French incorrectly) or 'mariage de convenience'. Correct: Keep the French phrase intact or use the full English calque 'marriage of convenience'.
- Mispronunciation: Anglicizing the French too much (e.g., /ˈmæriɪdʒ/ for 'mariage'). The first word should approximate French /mariˈaːʒ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. While the term implies a lack of initial love, such marriages could develop mutual respect or even affection over time. The core meaning, however, highlights the original pragmatic motive.
They can overlap. An 'arranged marriage' is a broader category where families introduce partners; it may consider love and compatibility. A 'mariage de convenance' is a specific type of arranged marriage where practical considerations (money, status, power) are explicitly the primary or sole motive.
An anglicised approximation is perfectly acceptable and more common. Attempting a perfect French accent might sound affected. Aim for the IPA guides provided, which blend French origins with English phonology.
Yes, it is commonly used metaphorically. You can describe a business partnership, a political coalition, or even a friendship as 'a mariage de convenance' to stress its fundamentally pragmatic, non-emotional nature.
A marriage arranged for practical, financial, or social reasons rather than for love.
Mariage de convenance is usually formal, literary in register.
Mariage de convenance: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmær.iˌɑːʒ də ˈkɒn.və.nɒ̃s/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmer.iˌɑːʒ də ˌkɑːn.vəˈnɑːns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It was more of a merger than a marriage.”
- “A wedding of convenience.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a MARRIAGE arranged for CONVENIENCE (convenance) – like merging two companies for a better balance sheet, not because the CEOs are in love.
Conceptual Metaphor
MARRIAGE IS A BUSINESS CONTRACT / MARRIAGE IS A POLITICAL ALLIANCE.
Practice
Quiz
In a modern business context, what might 'a mariage de convenance' metaphorically describe?