Definition

Noun: A marriage between two people who belong to different racial, ethnic, religious, or cultural groups. Such unions often face social or familial challenges due to these differences.

Usage

The term "mixed marriage" is used to describe the union itself. It is a formal and descriptive term often found in sociological, legal, or historical contexts. It typically focuses on the significant difference(s) between the partners that are considered notable within a given society.

Examples

• Their mixed marriage between a Catholic and a Protestant was a topic of discussion in their small town.
• Laws prohibiting mixed marriage were finally overturned in the 20th century.
• The couple's mixed marriage blended traditions from both of their cultural heritages.

Advanced Usage

• The term can sometimes be considered dated or overly focused on difference. More modern, neutral alternatives like "interfaith marriage," "interracial marriage," or "intercultural marriage" are often preferred for their specificity.
• In historical contexts, "mixed marriage" was frequently used in legal statutes, such as anti-miscegenation laws, which prohibited marriage between people of different races.

Variants and Related Words

• Intermarriage (n): A broader term that can mean marriage between people from different social, ethnic, or religious groups. It can also refer to marriage within a specific group.
• Interfaith (adj): Relating to or involving different religious faiths (e.g., an ceremony).
• Interracial (adj): Relating to or involving different races (e.g., an couple).
• Intercultural (adj): Relating to or involving different cultures.

Synonyms

• Interfaith marriage
• Interracial marriage
• Intercultural marriage
• Cross-cultural marriage

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To marry outside one's faith/race/culture: A descriptive phrase meaning to marry someone from a different group.
  • He married outside his faith, which initially concerned his parents.

Noun

1. marriage of two people from different races or different religions or different cultures
   • the families of both partners in a mixed marriage often disapprove