matrimony

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "matrimony" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the state of being married, or to a ceremony or union into marriage. For example, "She wished them both a lifetime of happiness in their matrimony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Then there were heated national arguments about divorce – arguments as often about land as matrimony – and it took three referendums to introduce a divorce law.

The Guardian - Opinion

In 1993 I don't know that I'd even imagined the possibility of same-sex couples enjoying the privileges of state-sponsored matrimony.

The Economist

Given this, who would not want her friends and family members to enjoy the comfort and security of matrimony?On those words, "comfort" and "security", hangs another tale.

The Economist

Sex in the Arab world is, theoretically at least, confined to "state-registered, family-approved, religiously sanctioned matrimony".

The Economist

The German authorities, judicial and administrative, have treated Scientology with scepticsm; several political parties have banned Scientologists from joining.Still, there is something peculiar about the highest court in a comparatively secular country mulling over the metaphysical claims of a self-described religion and its entitlement to solemnise matrimony.

The Economist

There are creepy, mysterious anti-Mormon letters, there are occasional heckles of Mr Romney at his speeches, and those are only the blatant examples of something that's keeping him in single digits.(By the way, "covenant marriage" is a super-powered version of matrimony taken up by some evangelical Christians.

The Economist

Instead of seeing the danger and telling them that he would allow his MPs a free vote (as the government was doing), he took little convincing that this was an opportunity to demonstrate "Tory values" in favour of matrimony and the family, and to the horror of the "modernisers" slapped on a three-line whip.In this section Where did it all go wrong?

The Economist

They worried that rituals such as the hina matsuri, or Festival of Dolls, an annual celebration of young girls and the state of matrimony, could be endangered.

The Economist

Be a better father, a better son, a better friend.' I owe her a lot".Mr Netanyahu's recent paean to matrimony followed days of ugly reports and swirling rumours depicting Mrs Netanyahu as a henpecking harridan and the prime minister as her squirming victim.

The Economist

Inferring that these unfortunates had been whisked away to unholy matrimony, the MPs asked to see the school records for 13 other areas where forced marriage is a known problem.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

While Luther's enemies indulged themselves in sarcastic pronouncements upon his matrimony Erasmus remarked that what had begun as tragedy had turned into comedy his friends and supporters were chagrined over what they took to be the poor timing of his decision.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "matrimony" in formal contexts to emphasize the significance and solemnity of marriage, especially when discussing legal, religious, or traditional aspects.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "matrimony" in casual conversations may sound overly formal or even archaic. Opt for more common terms like "marriage" or "wedding" in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "matrimony" is as a noun, representing the state of being married or the ceremony itself. Ludwig examples highlight its usage in legal, religious, and cultural contexts. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "matrimony" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun that signifies the state of being married or the marriage ceremony. As Ludwig's examples show, it often carries a formal or religious connotation, making it suitable for legal, theological, and academic settings. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's important to consider the context. It is better to opt for "marriage" in more casual conversation, but "matrimony" is appropriate when the sacred, legal, or traditional elements of the union are emphasized. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Encyclopedias.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marital state

Refers to the condition of being married.

holy wedlock

Emphasizes the sacred and religious nature of marriage.

marital union

Focuses on the legal and social bond created through marriage.

conjugal life

Refers to the lifestyle and experiences associated with marriage.

married life

Highlights the day-to-day existence of a couple after marriage.

the bonds of marriage

Emphasizes the commitment and connections formed through marriage.

nuptial tie

Emphasizes the formal and ceremonial aspect of marriage.

the sacrament of marriage

Highlights the religious significance, particularly in Catholicism.

domestic partnership

Focuses on the aspects of living together and having common life.

civil union

Describes a legally recognized relationship similar to marriage, but may not have all the same rights or recognition.

FAQs

How is "matrimony" typically used in a sentence?

"Matrimony" is used to refer to the state of being married or the ceremony of marriage. For example: "They entered into holy matrimony" or "The laws governing matrimony vary by state."

What phrases can I use instead of "matrimony"?

You can use alternatives like "marriage", "wedlock", or "marital union", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "marriage" and "matrimony"?

While often used interchangeably, "matrimony" tends to carry a more formal or religious connotation than "marriage". "Matrimony" often emphasizes the sanctity and commitment of the union.

In what situations is it best to use "matrimony" instead of "marriage"?

"Matrimony" is best used in formal, legal, or religious contexts where the solemnity and traditional aspects of the union are being emphasized. In everyday conversation, "marriage" is more common.