A1adjective2K

Married

UK /["/ˈmærid/"]/US /["/ˈmærid/"]/

Definition

having a husband or wife

In simple words: Somebody who has a husband or wife.

Examples

  • They have been married for ten years.
  • She is married and has two children.
  • My brother got married last summer.
  • I met a married couple at the party.
  • Is he married or single?

Usage notes

Use 'married' when talking about someone's relationship status. It's neutral and appropriate in formal and informal contexts. Avoid using it in a derogatory or joking manner.

Grammar pattern

be married + to + spouse

Memory hint

Think of 'married' as 'marriage' with the 'd' for 'done' – it’s a status that’s got to be official.

Collocations

  • be
  • feel
  • get
  • newly
  • recently
  • previously
  • to
  • married with children

Synonyms

  • hitched
  • wed
  • spliced
  • coupled

Antonyms

  • single
  • divorced

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'married' with 'marry' – 'married' describes the status, while 'marry' is the action.
  • Using 'married' without 'to' when mentioning a spouse, e.g., saying 'He is married Jane' instead of 'He is married to Jane'.
  • Omitting the auxiliary verb in questions, e.g., 'Are you married?' instead of 'You married?'