marriage equality: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, political, journalistic, academic
Quick answer
What does “marriage equality” mean?
The legal recognition that same-sex couples have the same right to marry as opposite-sex couples.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The legal recognition that same-sex couples have the same right to marry as opposite-sex couples.
The social and political principle advocating for the equal treatment and recognition of all marriages, regardless of the gender or sexual orientation of the partners; often used as a term for the movement and legal changes securing this right.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The concept is named identically. The legal and political timeline of its achievement differs between the countries.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries strong connotations of civil rights, social progress, and legal reform. In some conservative discourses, it may carry negative connotations for those opposed.
Frequency
Frequency spiked dramatically during national debates and legalisation processes (e.g., US Supreme Court ruling in 2015, UK legislation in 2013-2014). Remains common in political and social discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “marriage equality” in a Sentence
[Subject] supports/opposes marriage equality.[Subject] achieved marriage equality in [year].The fight for marriage equality [verb phrase].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “marriage equality” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The government legislated to enact marriage equality.
- The nation voted to institute marriage equality.
American English
- The state moved to legalize marriage equality.
- The court ruled to establish marriage equality nationwide.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form. Use phrases like 'in terms of marriage equality' or 'regarding marriage equality'.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form. Use phrases like 'from a marriage equality perspective'.]
adjective
British English
- The marriage equality campaign gained momentum.
- They are a marriage equality advocacy group.
American English
- The marriage equality movement was victorious.
- It was a landmark marriage equality decision.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in HR/DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) contexts regarding employee benefits.
Academic
Common in sociology, law, political science, and gender studies papers.
Everyday
Used in news discussions and personal conversations about social issues.
Technical
Used in legal and human rights documents and advocacy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “marriage equality”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “marriage equality”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “marriage equality”
- Using 'marriage equality' as a countable noun (e.g., 'a marriage equality'). It is generally uncountable. Confusing it with 'civil union' or 'domestic partnership', which are distinct legal statuses.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Gay marriage' is a specific, informal term for same-sex marriage. 'Marriage equality' is the broader principle and legal framework ensuring equal access to marriage for all, which includes but is not exclusively defined by same-sex marriage.
In the UK, marriage for same-sex couples became legal in England and Wales in 2014, and in Scotland in 2014. In the US, it became the law nationwide following the Supreme Court's Obergefell v. Hodges decision in 2015.
Rarely. It is typically used as an uncountable (mass) noun referring to the concept or state of law. You would not say 'marriage equalities'.
'Achieve', 'support', 'fight for', 'legalize', and 'enact' are very common (e.g., 'The movement achieved marriage equality').
The legal recognition that same-sex couples have the same right to marry as opposite-sex couples.
Marriage equality is usually formal, political, journalistic, academic in register.
Marriage equality: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmærɪdʒ iːˈkwɒləti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛrɪdʒ iːˈkwɑːləti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not typically idiomatic]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Marriage' + 'Equality' = Equal right to marry. The two 'E's in 'Equality' can stand for 'Equal for Everyone'.
Conceptual Metaphor
CIVIL RIGHTS ARE A JOURNEY / ACHIEVEMENT ('the road to marriage equality', 'won marriage equality'), EQUALITY IS A FOUNDATION ('the bedrock of marriage equality').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary focus of 'marriage equality'?