matron of honor
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A married woman who serves as the primary attendant to the bride at a wedding. Her role is to support the bride before and during the wedding ceremony.
Usage
The term "matron of honor" is used specifically for a married female attendant to the bride. It distinguishes her from a "maid of honor," who is unmarried. The phrase is always used in its full form, "matron of honor."
Examples
- The bride asked her older sister, who is married, to be her matron of honor.
- As the matron of honor, she helped organize the bridal shower and gave a speech at the reception.
- The matron of honor stood next to the bride during the ceremony.
Advanced Usage
- The role can be abbreviated in informal contexts, such as on invitations or schedules, as "MOH," though this abbreviation is shared with "maid of honor."
- In some weddings, a bride may have both a maid of honor and a matron of honor if she has two close friends or relatives she wishes to honor in these primary roles.
Variants and Related Words
- Maid of honor (noun): The unmarried primary female attendant to the bride. This is the direct counterpart to "matron of honor."
- Bridesmaid (noun): A female attendant to the bride, who may be married or unmarried, but who is not the primary attendant.
- Best man (noun): The primary male attendant to the groom.
Synonyms
- Attendant (noun): A more general term for someone who assists or serves.
- Support person (noun): A general term for someone who provides help and encouragement.
Notes on Meaning
The meaning of "matron of honor" is very specific to the context of a wedding. The key defining characteristic is that she is a married woman. The word "matron" itself traditionally denotes a married woman, often one of dignity and maturity.
Noun
- a married woman serving as the attendant to the bride at a wedding