Cool MateMarriage vs Matrimony
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Marriage
Matrimony
| Marriage | Matrimony | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈmærɪdʒ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈmærɪdʒ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˈmætrɪməni//🇺🇸 //ˈmætrɪmoʊni// |
| Meaning | A legal union between two people, usually involving a ceremony. | Marriage, the state of being married. |
| Example | Marriage is a significant commitment between two people. | Their matrimony was celebrated with a grand wedding ceremony. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | B1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | good, happy, successful, have, propose, enter into, last, be over, break down, vows, plans, proposal, by a marriage, from a marriage, by marriage, ask for somebody’s hand in marriage, win somebody’s hand in marriage, the break-up of a marriage, good, happy, successful, have, propose, enter into, last, be over, break down, vows, plans, proposal, by a marriage, from a marriage, by marriage, ask for somebody’s hand in marriage, win somebody’s hand in marriage, the break-up of a marriage, Christian, Jewish, etc., celebrate, be held, take place, ceremony, certificate, contract, at a/the marriage, marriage to | enter matrimony, sacred matrimony, blessed matrimony |
| Antonyms | divorce, separation | divorce, separation |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'marriage' vs 'married'., Using 'marriage' in a context that implies a temporary relationship., Incorrectly pluralizing 'marriage' as 'marriages' when referring to the concept in general. | Confused with 'matrimonial' which refers to things related to marriage., Using it interchangeably with 'relationship', which has a broader meaning. |
| Usage notes | Use 'marriage' in both formal and informal contexts. Appropriate when discussing partnerships, legal matters, or family. Avoid in casual settings when making jokes. | Used in formal contexts, often related to legal or religious aspects of marriage. Not appropriate in casual conversations. |
Frequently asked questions: Marriage vs Matrimony
What's the difference between Marriage and Matrimony?
Marriage: A legal union between two people, usually involving a ceremony. Matrimony: Marriage, the state of being married.
Which is more formal: Marriage and Matrimony?
Matrimony is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Marriage and Matrimony?
Marriage is the most common in everyday English.
Are Marriage and Matrimony the same CEFR level?
Marriage: B1, Matrimony: B1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Marriage and Matrimony?
Marriage: noun, Matrimony: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Marriage: Marriage is a significant commitment between two people. Matrimony: Their matrimony was celebrated with a grand wedding ceremony.
Can I use Marriage and Matrimony interchangeably?
Not always. Marriage and Matrimony are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.