Definition

1. Noun:
   • A ring given and worn as a sign of betrothal: An "engagement ring" is a piece of jewelry, typically featuring a precious stone like a diamond, given by one partner to another upon a proposal of marriage. It symbolizes the formal agreement to be married.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • She showed her friends her beautiful new engagement ring.
  • The tradition of giving an engagement ring dates back centuries.
  • He saved for months to buy the perfect engagement ring.

Advanced Usage

• "To wear an engagement ring": To have the ring on one's finger, signaling one's engaged status.
  • She proudly wears her engagement ring every day.
• "To present/offer an engagement ring": The act of giving the ring during a marriage proposal.
  • He got down on one knee to present the engagement ring.

Variants and Related Words

• Betrothal ring: A less common, more formal synonym for "engagement ring."
• Wedding ring (or wedding band): A plain or decorated ring exchanged during the marriage ceremony, worn after the engagement ring.
• Promise ring: A ring given to signify a commitment, often preceding an engagement ring.

Synonyms

• Betrothal ring: A ring signifying a formal promise to marry.

Related Phrases

• To pop the question: An informal idiom meaning to propose marriage, an event typically involving giving an engagement ring.
  • He's planning to pop the question next weekend.
• To be engaged: The state of having agreed to marry, often indicated by wearing an engagement ring.
  • They got engaged last month.

Noun

1. a ring given and worn as a sign of betrothal