mixed marriage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mixed marriage" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a marriage between individuals of different races, ethnicities, or religions. Example: "Their mixed marriage has brought together two distinct cultures, enriching their family life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Offspring of mixed marriage.

The New Yorker

What does he think about mixed marriage?

The Guardian

"We have a mixed marriage," I would say.

The New York Times

And since we both wanted children we wondered how we would fare in a mixed marriage.

The New York Times - Books

Over the years, both communities have had low rates of mixed marriage.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Levitation" is about a mixed marriage between Feingold, a Jew, and his convert wife, Lucy.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Few mixed-marriage couples satisfy the strict thresholds for age, wealth and cultural affinity.

The Economist

This is of particular concern to mixed-marriage couples in Britain and Ireland, and those wishing to see the church reunited one day.

The Guardian

Mixed-marriage couples come out in several typical ways.

Huffington Post

Now there's something like 4.3 million mixed-marriage couples in the United States.

Huffington Post

"The 'mixed marriage' of Penn and Princeton alumni was officiated by Melissa's uncle Jeffrey Weingarten W '70

University of Pennsylvania

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mixed marriage", be mindful of the context and potential sensitivities, as the term can carry historical connotations in some discussions. Consider using more specific terms like "interracial marriage" or "interfaith marriage" for greater clarity and to avoid unintended implications.

Common error

Avoid using "mixed marriage" when referring to partnerships that don't involve race, ethnicity, or religion. For instance, calling a marriage between people of different socio-economic backgrounds a "mixed marriage" is inaccurate and can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mixed marriage" primarily functions as a noun phrase, designating a specific type of marital union. Ludwig AI validates this usage, with examples demonstrating its application in describing marriages between individuals from different racial, cultural, or religious backgrounds.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "mixed marriage" refers to a union between individuals from different social groups, often distinguished by race, religion, or culture. While grammatically correct, Ludwig AI indicates that its usage requires sensitivity due to potential historical baggage. More specific terms like "interracial marriage" or "interfaith marriage" may be preferable in certain contexts. It's commonly found in news, academic, and scientific discussions, but awareness of its implications is crucial for respectful communication. As Ludwig's examples show, the phrase is used to categorize marital unions that cross traditional social boundaries, prompting conversations about diversity and social dynamics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

interracial marriage

Focuses specifically on marriages between people of different races.

interfaith marriage

Highlights marriages between people of different religious faiths.

intercultural marriage

Emphasizes the union of individuals from distinct cultural backgrounds.

cross-cultural marriage

Similar to intercultural marriage, focusing on the crossing of cultural boundaries.

multicultural relationship

Focuses on the relationship aspect, emphasizing the interaction of multiple cultures.

transracial adoption

Refers to the adoption of a child of one race by parents of another race, evoking similar themes of crossing racial boundaries.

diverse union

A broader term encompassing various forms of diversity within a marriage.

marriage across difference

A more general term highlighting the union of individuals with any kind of significant differences.

combined heritage

Highlights the blending of different heritages within a family.

blended family

Describes a family where members come from different backgrounds or previous relationships.

FAQs

What does "mixed marriage" mean?

A "mixed marriage" typically refers to a marriage between individuals of different socially-distinguished groups, such as different races, cultures, or religions. It's a term that acknowledges diversity in marital unions.

What can I say instead of "mixed marriage"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "interracial marriage" (if referring to race), "interfaith marriage" (if referring to religion), or "intercultural marriage" (if referring to culture).

Is "mixed marriage" an outdated term?

While still used, "mixed marriage" can be considered outdated or even offensive by some, as it implies that such unions are somehow abnormal or problematic. Using more specific and neutral terms like "interracial marriage" or "interfaith marriage" is generally preferred.

How has the view of "mixed marriage" changed over time?

Historically, "mixed marriages" were often stigmatized or even illegal. However, societal attitudes have evolved significantly, and such unions are now widely accepted in many parts of the world, although challenges and prejudices may still exist.