traditional marriage: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
CommonFormal
Quick answer
What does “traditional marriage” mean?
A marriage that follows long-established cultural, religious, or social norms, typically involving a union between a man and a woman.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A marriage that follows long-established cultural, religious, or social norms, typically involving a union between a man and a woman.
Often implies conservatism, emphasis on family values, and can be contrasted with modern alternatives like same-sex marriage or civil partnerships; may carry ideological connotations in socio-political debates.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal lexical differences; in American English, it is more frequently politicized in debates over same-sex marriage.
Connotations
In both varieties, associated with conservatism and traditional values; in the US, often linked to religious or political discourse.
Frequency
Equally common in both British and American English, with similar usage patterns in formal contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “traditional marriage” in a Sentence
traditional marriage between [man and woman]traditional marriage in [religious context]advocate for traditional marriageVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “traditional marriage” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They decided to traditionalise their marriage ceremony.
- Many couples choose to marry in a traditional way.
American English
- They opted to traditionalize their marriage vows.
- Families often encourage marrying traditionally.
adverb
British English
- They married traditionally in a church service.
- The ceremony was conducted traditionally.
American English
- They wed traditionally with family present.
- The event was planned traditionally.
adjective
British English
- The traditional marriage customs were upheld at the wedding.
- Her views on marriage are quite traditional.
American English
- Their traditional marriage beliefs are well-known.
- He has a traditional marriage perspective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used, except in diversity or HR discussions regarding family policies.
Academic
Common in sociology, anthropology, and legal studies when examining social norms.
Everyday
Used in personal or community conversations about relationships and values.
Technical
Found in legal, religious, or anthropological texts defining marital structures.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “traditional marriage”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “traditional marriage”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “traditional marriage”
- Using 'traditional marriage' interchangeably with 'arranged marriage'.
- Mispronouncing 'marriage' as /ˈmærɪdʒɪz/ in plural contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, traditional marriage refers to adherence to cultural norms, while arranged marriage involves families selecting partners, though they can overlap.
Typically, traditional marriage is defined as between a man and a woman, but interpretations vary with cultural evolution.
It is often respected for its historical significance but can be controversial in discussions of gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights.
Rituals may include exchanges of vows, religious ceremonies, and cultural practices like dowries or specific attire, varying by region.
A marriage that follows long-established cultural, religious, or social norms, typically involving a union between a man and a woman.
Traditional marriage is usually formal in register.
Traditional marriage: in British English it is pronounced /trəˈdɪʃənəl ˈmærɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /trəˈdɪʃənəl ˈmærɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the sanctity of traditional marriage”
- “bedrock of traditional marriage”
- “uphold the traditions of marriage”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Traditional marriage ties the knot with old-time traditions.
Conceptual Metaphor
Traditional marriage as a foundation stone of society.
Practice
Quiz
What is a key characteristic of traditional marriage?