betrothal
Translation
betrothal, engagement
Examples
Their betrothal was announced in the newspaper.
Their betrothal was announced in the newspaper.
Grammar Patterns
((a/the/one's)) betrothal a formal promise to marry. Their betrothal was announced last week.
Similar Words
Synonyms: engagement, promise to marry; Antonyms: separation, divorce
Etymology
From Middle English 'betrouthen', from 'be-' (prefix) + 'trouthe' (truth, pledge). It literally means to pledge one's truth or promise to someone.
Memory Tips
Think of 'be true' – a promise to 'be true' to someone, leading to marriage. It's a more formal word than 'engagement'.