betrothed
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /bɪˈtroʊðd/
KK: /bɪˈtroʊðd/
adjective
Definition
Having made a formal agreement to marry someone.
Example
They are betrothed and planning their wedding for next year.
Conversation
Did you hear that Sarah is betrothed now?
Really? I didn't know she was engaged!
Yeah, she just announced it last week.
That's exciting! I can't wait to see the ring.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
engaged
affianced
pledged
Antonyms
single
unattached
divorced
noun
Definition
A person who is engaged to be married.
Example
She introduced her betrothed to her family at dinner.
Conversation
Did you hear that Sarah is finally betrothed?
No way! I didn't know she was engaged.
Yeah, she told me last week that her betrothed proposed during their vacation.
Root Explanation
Betrothed is formed from "be-" (meaning to make or cause) and "troth" (from Old English "treowð", meaning faith or loyalty). The word describes the state of being made faithful or loyal to someone in a promise of marriage.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'made' ('be-') faithful ('troth') to someone — that's what being betrothed means.
Visually Confused Words
unbetrothed
berthed
betted