Formed from betroth, meaning to promise in marriage, plus the noun suffix -al. Betroth goes back to Middle English forms built from be- and troth, an older word meaning truth, faith, loyalty, or a pledged promise. The word therefore carries the idea of giving one's faithful promise to marry.
What does betrothal mean?
It means a formal engagement to marry, either as a promised state or as the act or ceremony of becoming engaged.
Is betrothal the same as engagement?
They are close. Betrothal is usually more formal, traditional, historical, or religious, while engagement is the everyday word.
Is betrothal a wedding?
No. A betrothal comes before marriage. It is a promise or formal step toward marriage, not the wedding itself.
What is a betrothal ceremony?
It is a formal rite or event in which two people become engaged to be married.
What is the plural of betrothal?
The regular plural is betrothals.
What are synonyms of betrothal?
Useful synonyms include engagement, espousal, affiance, pledge, and troth, though some are formal or old-fashioned.
Is betrothal old-fashioned?
It often sounds formal or old-fashioned in modern English, but it is still useful for historical, religious, legal, and ceremonial contexts.