Is 'maritage' a common word for marriage?

No, it is an archaic and rare synonym. The standard word is 'marriage'.

Can I use 'maritage' in my wedding vows?

You could for a unique, archaic, or poetic effect, but it would sound very unusual and formal. 'Marriage' is the expected term.

Is 'maritage' related to 'heritage'?

Only by the suffix '-age', which can indicate a state or condition. The roots are different: 'maritage' from Latin 'maritus' (husband), 'heritage' from Old French 'eritage' (inheritance).

Is 'meritage' (the wine) the same word?

No. 'Meritage' is a modern portmanteau of 'merit' and 'heritage', coined for American wine blends. 'Maritage' is unrelated and pronounced differently (MAR-i-tij vs. MER-i-tij).

Is “maritage” formal?

Maritage is usually formal/literary/archaic in register.

How do you pronounce “maritage”?

Maritage: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmærɪtɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmærɪtɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

maritage: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Rare/Archaic

UK/ˈmærɪtɪdʒ/US/ˈmærɪtɪdʒ/

Formal/Literary/Archaic

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “maritage” mean?

The state or practice of marriage.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

The state or practice of marriage; married life or the married state.

The social and legal institution of marriage; the customs, rituals, or conditions pertaining to being married.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No notable difference in contemporary use, as the term is essentially obsolete in both varieties.

Connotations

In both, it carries a formal, antiquated, or poetic connotation.

Frequency

Extremely rare in both British and American English. If encountered, it is likely in academic, religious, or historical texts.

Grammar

How to Use “maritage” in a Sentence

the maritage of [person/group]in maritage to [person]the state of maritage

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

entered into maritagestate of maritagebonds of maritage

medium

holy maritagesacrament of maritagecontract of maritage

weak

blissful maritageancient maritagelawful maritage

Examples

Examples of “maritage” in a Sentence

verb

British English

(No verb form exists)

American English

(No verb form exists)

adverb

British English

(No adverb form exists)

American English

(No adverb form exists)

adjective

British English

The maritage vows were recorded in the parish register.

American English

He studied maritage laws from the colonial period.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Not used.

Academic

May appear in historical, theological, or literary studies texts discussing medieval or early modern concepts of marriage.

Everyday

Not used.

Technical

Rarely, in some historical/legal contexts to specify the formal institution as distinct from cohabitation.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “maritage”

Strong

wedlockconjugal bond

Neutral

marriage matrimony

Weak

union partnership

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “maritage”

celibacy singleness divorce separation

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “maritage”

Using it in modern speech or writing where 'marriage' is intended.
Misspelling as 'marritage' or 'meritage' (which is a wine blend).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it is an archaic and rare synonym. The standard word is 'marriage'.
: You could for a unique, archaic, or poetic effect, but it would sound very unusual and formal. 'Marriage' is the expected term.
: Only by the suffix '-age', which can indicate a state or condition. The roots are different: 'maritage' from Latin 'maritus' (husband), 'heritage' from Old French 'eritage' (inheritance).
: No. 'Meritage' is a modern portmanteau of 'merit' and 'heritage', coined for American wine blends. 'Maritage' is unrelated and pronounced differently (MAR-i-tij vs. MER-i-tij).
: The state or practice of marriage.
: Maritage is usually formal/literary/archaic in register.
: Maritage: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmærɪtɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmærɪtɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“None. The term itself is too rare for established idioms.”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think 'marriage' + 'heritage'. A marriage is a heritage (something passed down) through the tradition of **maritage**.

Conceptual Metaphor

MARRIAGE IS A SACRED INSTITUTION (framed by the formal, almost legalistic sound of the suffix '-age').

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The ancient text referred to the sacred covenant of between a man and a woman.

Multiple Choice

In which context would the word 'maritage' be most appropriately used?