Word: Marriage of Convenience
Definition: A "marriage of convenience" is a type of marriage where two people get married not because they love each other, but for practical reasons. These reasons might include financial benefits, legal advantages, or social status, rather than emotional connection.
Usage Instructions: You can use the phrase "marriage of convenience" to describe a situation where the main motivation for getting married is something other than love. It is often used in discussions about relationships, society, or legal matters.
Example: - "Their marriage was a marriage of convenience; they both needed health insurance and decided it was easier to marry than to stay single."
Advanced Usage: In more advanced discussions, you might use this term to analyze social trends or discuss cultural practices. For example: - "In some cultures, marriages of convenience are common, as families prioritize alliances over romantic love."
Word Variants: - Convenient (adjective): Something that is easy to use or suitable for your needs. - Convenience (noun): The state of being able to proceed with something with little effort; ease.
Different Meaning: While "marriage of convenience" specifically refers to a marriage, the term "convenience" itself can also refer to anything that makes life easier or more comfortable, such as a "convenience store," which is a shop that sells everyday items.
Synonyms: - Practical marriage - Arranged marriage (though arranged marriages can sometimes involve love) - Strategic marriage
Idioms: - "Tying the knot": This is a general way to say getting married, but it doesn't specify the reasons behind the marriage.
Phrasal Verbs: - There are no specific phrasal verbs directly associated with "marriage of convenience," but you might use verbs like "get married" or "enter into a marriage" in related sentences.