marry into: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to Informal. Often used in conversation, journalism, and narrative.
Quick answer
What does “marry into” mean?
To join a family or social group through marriage.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To join a family or social group through marriage.
To gain membership or access to a specific social circle, family, profession, or lifestyle as a consequence of marrying someone who is already part of it.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling conventions apply to surrounding text (e.g., 'honour' vs. 'honor').
Connotations
In both varieties, it often carries a connotation of marrying for status, money, or social advantage, though this is context-dependent. It can be neutral or slightly judgmental.
Frequency
Equally common and understood in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “marry into” in a Sentence
marry into + NOUN PHRASE (family/wealth/circumstances)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “marry into” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He didn't just marry her; he married into the landed gentry.
- She was accused of marrying into money rather than for love.
American English
- He married into a political dynasty.
- They joked that he married into the family business.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'The startup married into the tech giant's ecosystem through the partnership.'
Academic
Rare. Used in sociological or historical texts discussing kinship and social mobility.
Everyday
Common in discussions about relationships, families, and social status.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “marry into”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “marry into”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “marry into”
- Using 'marry in' instead of 'marry into'. 'Marry in' is not standard for this meaning.
- Using it without an object: 'She wanted to marry into.' (Incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is gender-neutral. Both men and women can 'marry into' a family or situation.
No, while commonly associated with wealth or status, it can refer to any distinct family, group, or set of circumstances (e.g., 'marry into a military family', 'marry into a different religion').
'Marry' focuses on the union with a person. 'Marry into' focuses on the resultant membership in the spouse's family, social circle, or lifestyle.
It is neutral but common in everyday speech and writing. It is not overly formal or legalistic.
To join a family or social group through marriage.
Marry into: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmær.i ˈɪn.tuː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmer.i ˈɪn.tuː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Marry into money.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of walking INTO a new family's house after the wedding ceremony. You MARRY, and then you step INTO their world.
Conceptual Metaphor
MARRIAGE IS A JOURNEY OF ENTRY (into a new social group).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'marry into' typically imply?