noun · formal

matrimony

UK/ˈmætrɪməni/US/ˈmætrəˌmoʊni/MAT·ri·mo·ny

Band 7+speakingtask2

marriage; the state of being married, often used in a formal context

Examples

They entered into matrimony in a small ceremony attended by family.

The doctrine of holy matrimony has shaped many cultural expectations about marriage.

Matrimony confers both legal rights and social recognition on couples.

Band 8 sentence

Matrimony, as both a legal contract and a cultural institution, varies enormously in meaning and function across different societies.

Collocations

  • enter into matrimony
  • holy matrimony

Word family

matrimonial adjectivematrimony nounmarry verb

Common mistakes

They celebrated their matrimony last weekend.They celebrated their wedding / They were married last weekend.

He will matrimony next month.He will marry / He will enter into matrimony next month.

Say it for a higher band

5marriage6wedding7+matrimony

Synonyms

marriage

wedlock

Easily confused

wedding

Their wedding took place in the village church on a sunny afternoon.

Related words

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In Family & Relationships

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