Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Married; having entered into marriage: Describes the state of being united in marriage, typically used to refer to a person who has a spouse.
   • Completely devoted or attached to something: Used figuratively to describe a deep, unwavering commitment or dedication to an idea, habit, or way of life, as if bound by a marriage vow.

Usage

• The adjective "wedded" is often used attributively (before a noun) rather than predicatively (after a linking verb like "is"). For example, "wedded bliss" is more common than "Their bliss is wedded."
• It is a formal or literary term. In everyday speech, "married" is more common for the literal meaning.
• The figurative sense is frequently used with the preposition "to" (e.g., wedded to tradition).

Examples

• Literal Meaning (Married):
  • The wedded couple celebrated their golden anniversary.
  • She remained happily wedded to her childhood sweetheart for fifty years.
• Figurative Meaning (Devoted):
  • He is wedded to the idea of working alone.
  • The company is wedded to outdated manufacturing processes.

Advanced Usage

• "Wedded bliss": A common phrase referring to the idealized happiness of married life.
  • They are enjoying their first year of wedded bliss.
• "Wedded to": An idiom meaning firmly committed or attached to something, often stubbornly.
  • The artist was wedded to her unique style and refused to change.

Variants and Related Words

• Wed (verb): To marry.
  • They plan to wed in the spring.
• Wedding (noun): The marriage ceremony.
  • We are invited to their wedding.
• Newlywed (noun): A person recently married.
  • The newlyweds went on a honeymoon.

Synonyms

• Married: United in marriage.
• Matrimonial: Relating to marriage (more formal, often used in legal contexts).
• Conjugal: Relating to marriage or the relationship between spouses.
• Devoted: Very loving or loyal (for the figurative sense).
• Committed: Dedicated to a cause, activity, or person.

Antonyms

• Single: Not married.
• Divorced: No longer married.
• Unattached: Not married or involved in a serious romantic relationship.
• Flexible: Willing to change (antonym for the figurative sense of being stubbornly devoted).

Adjective

1. having been taken in marriage