be married Meaning

Definition of “Be Married”

1. Core Meaning: To be legally and socially recognized as being in a marital relationship with another person, typically involving a commitment to live together and support each other emotionally, financially, and socially.

2. Figurative Meaning: In a metaphorical sense, “to be married” can also refer to being deeply committed or bound to a non-human entity or concept, such as an idea, project, or principle.

Etymology

The phrase “be married” comes from the Old French word “marier,” which means “to marry” or “to wed.” This, in turn, derives from the Latin “maritare,” meaning “to wed,” which is related to “maritus,” meaning “husband.” The concept of marriage has existed in various forms throughout human history, symbolizing bonds not only between individuals but also between families and communities.

Literal and Figurative Uses

• Literal Use: The phrase “be married” is commonly used to describe individuals who have entered into a legal marriage contract, often marked by a wedding ceremony.

  • Example: “After three years of dating, they decided to be married in a small ceremony on the beach.”

• Figurative Use: The term can also imply a deep commitment to some non-tangible entity.

  • Example: “She is married to her work, dedicating all her time to her career.”

Common Phrases or Idioms Featuring “Be Married”

1. “Tie the knot” – To get married.
2. “Married to the job” – Suggesting a person is extremely dedicated to their work.
3. “In a committed relationship” – Often synonymous with being married, but may apply to non-legal partnerships.
4. “Common-law marriage” – A term for cohabitating partners who live together as a married couple without a legal marriage.

Contextual Usage & Example Sentences

1. Literal: “They decided to be married in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by friends and family.”
2. Literal: “After being married for over a decade, they celebrated their anniversary with a romantic getaway.”
3. Figurative: “He is married to his principles and refuses to compromise his values for any reason.”
4. Figurative: “She feels she is married to her art, often spending countless hours painting every day.”
5. Literal: “To be married often requires adjustments and sacrifices from both partners.”
6. Figurative: “In this project, we must be married to our vision of excellence, even if it means longer hours.”

Synonyms & Antonyms

• Synonyms:

  • Wed
  • Joined
  • United
  • Committed (in a relationship context)

• Antonyms:

  • Unmarried
  • Divorced
  • Single
  • Separated

This comprehensive overview of the term “be married” highlights both its literal and metaphorical significance, providing a thorough understanding for English learners.

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