Marriage is an essential institution in society, and it is no surprise that the English language has multiple words to describe it. Two of the most common words used to describe the state of being married are married and wedded. While these two words are often used interchangeably, they have subtle differences in meaning and usage.
In terms of which of the two is the proper word, it could be argued that both are correct. However, married is the more commonly used term in everyday conversation and writing. It is the past participle of the verb marry, which means to take a spouse. Wedded, on the other hand, is an adjective that describes the state of being married. It is the past participle of the verb wed, which also means to take a spouse.
While married and wedded are both used to describe the state of being married, married is often used in a legal or official context. For example, you would use the word married when filling out a government form or signing a legal document. Wedded, on the other hand, is more commonly used in a romantic or poetic context. For example, you might say that two people are wedded in love or that they are wedded to each other for life.
Throughout the rest of this article, we will explore the differences between married and wedded in more detail, including their etymology, usage, and connotations.
Define Married
Married is a term used to describe a legal union between two individuals recognized by law. It is a formal arrangement that grants specific rights and responsibilities to both parties. The marriage contract is typically entered into through a civil or religious ceremony and is recognized by the state. Marriage is a legally binding commitment that involves a range of legal, social, and emotional obligations.
Define Wedded
Wedded is a term that is often used interchangeably with married, but it has a slightly different connotation. While married refers specifically to the legal union between two individuals, wedded has a more emotional or symbolic meaning. It is often used to describe a deep and meaningful commitment between two people, regardless of whether or not they are legally married. Wedded can also refer to the act of getting married or the state of being married.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Choosing the right word to use in a sentence can be challenging, especially when the words have similar meanings. One such example is the words “married” and “wedded.” Although they are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences in their meanings that can affect the context of a sentence. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use these words in a sentence.
How To Use “Married” In A Sentence
The word “married” is the more common of the two words and is generally used to describe the legal or formal union between two people. Here are some examples:
- John and Jane got married last weekend.
- My parents have been married for 30 years.
- She is married to a doctor.
It is worth noting that “married” can also be used as an adjective to describe a person who is in a marital relationship:
- He is a married man.
- She is a happily married woman.
How To Use “Wedded” In A Sentence
The word “wedded” is less commonly used than “married” and is often considered more formal or poetic. It is generally used to describe the act of getting married or the state of being married. Here are some examples:
- They were wedded in a small church in the countryside.
- She always dreamed of being wedded in a beautiful white dress.
- The couple has been wedded for over a decade.
Similar to “married,” “wedded” can also be used as an adjective to describe a person who is in a marital relationship:
- The newly wedded couple left for their honeymoon.
- He is a happily wedded man.
Overall, while “married” and “wedded” have similar meanings, they are used in slightly different contexts. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right word to use in a sentence and convey your intended meaning more accurately.
More Examples Of Married & Wedded Used In Sentences
Understanding the difference between married and wedded is important when it comes to using them correctly in sentences. Here are some examples of how to use each word in context:
Examples Of Using “Married” In A Sentence
- He and his wife have been married for 25 years.
- They decided to get married in the spring.
- She married her high school sweetheart.
- My parents have been happily married for over 40 years.
- They got married in a small ceremony with just family and close friends.
- He is married to his work and doesn’t have time for a social life.
- They got married at the courthouse and then had a big reception.
- She married for money, not love.
- He married his second wife after divorcing his first.
- They have been happily married since they met in college.
Examples Of Using “Wedded” In A Sentence
- The couple was wedded in a beautiful outdoor ceremony.
- They were wedded in a traditional church ceremony.
- She was wedded to the idea of becoming a doctor from a young age.
- He was wedded to his job and rarely took time off.
- The two companies were wedded in a merger that would change the industry.
- She was wedded to her beliefs and refused to compromise.
- They were wedded in a small ceremony with just family and close friends.
- He was wedded to the idea of starting his own business.
- The two cultures were wedded in a beautiful fusion of music and dance.
- She was wedded to the idea of living a simple life in the countryside.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to the usage of the terms “married” and “wedded,” people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, there are subtle differences between the two that should be taken into consideration.
Using “Married” And “Wedded” Interchangeably
One of the common mistakes people make is using “married” and “wedded” interchangeably. While both terms refer to the act of getting married, they have different connotations.
“Married” is a more common and general term that refers to the state of being united in marriage. On the other hand, “wedded” has a more formal and traditional connotation, referring to the religious or ceremonial aspect of getting married.
Using “married” instead of “wedded” in a formal context can come across as informal or even disrespectful. For example, saying “We got married in a church” instead of “We were wedded in a church” can be seen as inappropriate in a religious setting.
Tips To Avoid Confusing The Two Terms
To avoid making the mistake of using “married” and “wedded” interchangeably, here are some tips:
- Understand the context in which you are using the terms. If you are in a formal setting, it is best to use “wedded” instead of “married.”
- Consider the connotations of each term before using them. If you want to convey a more traditional or formal tone, use “wedded.”
- When in doubt, consult a dictionary or style guide to ensure you are using the correct term.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can avoid making the common mistake of using “married” and “wedded” interchangeably and ensure that your writing and speech are clear and appropriate for the context.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “married” and “wedded,” the context in which they are used can play a significant role. While both words refer to the state of being joined in matrimony, there are subtle differences in connotation that can make one a better choice than the other depending on the situation.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Consider the following examples:
| Context | Preferred Word | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Documents | Married | Married is the more commonly used term on legal documents such as marriage licenses and tax forms. |
| Formal Language | Wedded | Wedded has a more formal connotation and may be preferred in formal invitations or announcements. |
| Everyday Conversation | Married | Married is the more commonly used term in everyday conversation and is generally more casual. |
As you can see from these examples, the choice between married and wedded can depend on the context in which they are used. It is important to consider the tone and formality of the situation when deciding which word to use.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using “married” and “wedded” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions that can cause confusion. Here are a few cases where the rules might not apply:
1. Cultural Differences
Depending on the culture, the terms “married” and “wedded” may have different connotations. For example, in some cultures, a couple may be considered “married” even if they have not had a formal wedding ceremony. In other cultures, a couple may be considered “wedded” only if they have had a religious ceremony.
2. Legal Definitions
While “married” and “wedded” are often used interchangeably, there are some legal differences between the two terms. For example, in some states, a couple may be considered “married” if they have lived together for a certain amount of time, even if they have not had a formal wedding ceremony. In these cases, the term “wedded” would not apply.
3. Historical Context
The use of “married” and “wedded” has evolved over time, and there may be historical contexts where the rules for using the terms are different. For example, in Shakespearean English, “wedded” was often used to refer to the act of getting married, while “married” was used to refer to the state of being married.
Overall, while the rules for using “married” and “wedded” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions that can cause confusion. It’s important to consider the cultural, legal, and historical context when deciding which term to use.
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of married and wedded is through practice exercises. Here are some exercises that can help you:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| My parents have been __________ for 25 years. | married |
| He __________ his high school sweetheart last year. | wedded |
| They __________ in a beautiful ceremony on the beach. | were wedded |
| She always dreamed of getting __________ in a castle. | wedded |
| After dating for five years, they finally decided to get __________. | married |
Explanation: This exercise will help you differentiate between the two words and understand their usage in sentences. By filling in the blanks with the correct word, you can practice using them in context.
Exercise 2: Sentence Correction
Read each sentence and determine whether married or wedded is the correct word to use. If the sentence is incorrect, correct it by replacing the incorrect word with the correct one.
- They were married in a small chapel in the countryside.
- He wedded his college sweetheart after graduation.
- She was married to her job and had no time for a social life.
- They were wedded in a beautiful ceremony on a yacht.
- After years of dating, they finally decided to get married.
Explanation: This exercise will help you identify and correct usage errors. By understanding the difference between married and wedded, you can correct sentences that use the wrong word.
Exercise 3: Writing Practice
Write three sentences using married and three sentences using wedded. Make sure each sentence is grammatically correct and uses the correct word in context.
Explanation: This exercise will help you practice using the words in your own writing. By creating your own sentences, you can reinforce your understanding of the words and their usage.
Remember, practice makes perfect! Keep practicing and soon you’ll be using married and wedded with ease.
Conclusion
After exploring the nuances between “married” and “wedded,” it is clear that these two terms are not interchangeable. While both refer to the state of being joined in marriage, “married” is the more commonly used term and is generally considered more appropriate for everyday conversation and writing. However, “wedded” can be used in specific contexts to convey a sense of formality or solemnity.
It is important to remember that language is constantly evolving, and the meanings of words can shift over time. By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, we can ensure that we are using language effectively and appropriately.
Key Takeaways
- “Married” and “wedded” both refer to the state of being joined in marriage.
- “Married” is the more commonly used term and is generally considered more appropriate for everyday conversation and writing.
- “Wedded” can be used in specific contexts to convey a sense of formality or solemnity.
- Language is constantly evolving, and it is important to continue learning about grammar and language use.
By keeping these key takeaways in mind, we can use language more effectively and accurately convey our intended meanings.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.