Definition

Noun: - The state of being married; the institution of marriage. It refers specifically to the legal and social condition of being a husband and wife. - Matrimony. Often used in formal, legal, or religious contexts to denote the married state.

Usage

"Wedlock" is a formal and somewhat old-fashioned term. It is most commonly used in specific, set phrases, particularly in legal documents, religious ceremonies, and discussions about legitimacy. It emphasizes the state or condition of marriage itself.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "In wedlock": This is the most frequent usage, meaning within the state of marriage. It is often used to describe the circumstances of a child's birth.
  • Children born in wedlock are considered legitimate under the law.
• "Out of wedlock": This phrase means outside of marriage. It is commonly used to describe a child whose parents were not married at the time of birth.
  • The number of children born out of wedlock has increased.

Variants and Related Words

• Matrimony (n): A formal synonym for marriage or wedlock, often with a religious connotation.
  • They entered into the holy state of matrimony.
• Marriage (n): The more common and general term for the relationship, institution, or ceremony of being married.
  • Their marriage has lasted for fifty years.

Synonyms

• Marriage: The state of being united as spouses.
• Matrimony: The state of being married; marriage.
• Union: A more general term for the act of uniting, but can refer specifically to marriage.

Idioms and Set Phrases

• "Born in wedlock": Born to parents who are legally married to each other.
  • In the past, only children born in wedlock could inherit titles.
• "Born out of wedlock": Born to parents who are not married to each other.
  • He was born out of wedlock but was fully recognized by his father.

Noun

1. the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)
   • a long and happy marriage
   • God bless this union