matrimony: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, literary, religious, legal
Quick answer
What does “matrimony” mean?
The state of being married.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The state of being married; marriage.
The ceremony or sacrament of marriage; the institution of marriage considered as a whole.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar, with a slightly higher frequency in UK legal/ecclesiastical contexts. The word 'matrimonial' (adj.) is common in both in legal phrases.
Connotations
Both varieties carry formal/religious connotations. In the US, it may sound slightly more ecclesiastical or archaic.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech in both regions. More common in written, formal, or religious registers.
Grammar
How to Use “matrimony” in a Sentence
enter into matrimony (with sb)be joined in matrimony (to sb)bless (sb) in matrimonyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “matrimony” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A – 'matrimony' is not a verb. Use 'marry'.
American English
- N/A – 'matrimony' is not a verb. Use 'marry'.
adverb
British English
- N/A – No direct adverb. Use 'matrimonially' (extremely rare).
American English
- N/A – No direct adverb. Use 'matrimonially' (extremely rare).
adjective
British English
- The couple sought advice from a matrimonial lawyer.
- Their matrimonial home was in Surrey.
American English
- They had to file matrimonial documents with the court.
- The dispute concerned matrimonial assets.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Might appear in 'matrimonial law' as a legal specialty.
Academic
Used in sociological, historical, or theological studies of marriage as an institution.
Everyday
Very rare. Would be used humorously or with intentional formality (e.g., 'So, when are you planning to enter into holy matrimony?').
Technical
Core term in Canon Law (Catholic Church) and other religious jurisprudence; appears in formal legal documents (e.g., 'laws governing matrimony').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “matrimony”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “matrimony”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “matrimony”
- Using it as a direct synonym for 'wedding' (the ceremony). 'Matrimony' refers to the state, not the event. *'Their matrimony was beautiful' is incorrect for the ceremony.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Marriage' is the general, all-purpose term. 'Matrimony' is more formal, solemn, and often specifically references the religious or sacramental aspect of the union.
It would sound very formal or humorous. In everyday speech, 'wedding' or 'marriage' is more natural (e.g., 'My wedding was in June,' not 'My matrimony was in June').
No, it is a low-frequency, high-register word. You will encounter it in legal documents, religious contexts, formal writing, and literature, but rarely in casual conversation.
'Holy matrimony' is the most fixed and frequent collocation, almost a set phrase used in religious ceremonies and formal contexts.
The state of being married.
Matrimony is usually formal, literary, religious, legal in register.
Matrimony: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmætrɪməni/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmætrəˌmoʊni/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the bonds of matrimony”
- “tie the knot (informal equivalent)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MATRimony' – it involves the 'MATR' (mother/Latin 'mater') as the foundational unit of a family.
Conceptual Metaphor
MARRIAGE IS A SACRED BOND/CONTRACT. Matrimony frames marriage as a solemn, often divine, institution rather than a casual relationship.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'matrimony' MOST appropriately used?