marry - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
marry Word Meanings
- to join in marriage
- to be united in a legal relationship
- to become the spouse of someone
marry Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
marry Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈmæri/
US
/ˈmæri/
marry Word Etymology
From Old French 'marier' (to marry) from Latin 'maritare' (to wed) = marit- (root, one who marries) + -ate (to make). Imagine a couple walking down the aisle, symbolizing their legal union.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I slide my hand toward theirs, take a step closer, and settle my breath as I reach out. We exchange rings and pull the moment into a tighter future, feeling a small push of commitment. It changes the day in a physical, slow way—my heart lifts, my stance steadies, and a new direction seems to turn right in front of us. Saying we’re married becomes a natural line in conversation and a shared plan we carry forward.
Real Context
Marry is the verb used to join in marriage with someone or to become the spouse of that person. In English you say 'to marry someone' (transitive) or 'to get married' (intransitive) when describing the ceremony or the state after it. A marriage is a formal or legally recognized union, often celebrated with a wedding. People marry for many reasons: love, family expectations, or cultural traditions, and laws in different countries grant spouses certain rights and responsibilities. The word appears in various tenses: 'they marry' (present), 'they married' (past), 'they have married' (present perfect). Its etymology traces back to Old French and Latin roots, emphasizing the act of becoming joined as partners for life.
Usage Reminders
- • Use marry with a direct object: marry someone.
- • Distinguish get married (focus on the act or state) from marry (the verb with a person).
- • Learn tense forms: marry, married, have married.
- • Remember common collocations: marry for love, marry into a family.
- • Watch spelling: avoid 'marrie' or 'marrie' mistakes.
Common Misconceptions
- Marry means always to have a wedding ceremony attached to the act.
- You can say 'to marry the country' or 'to marry a city'.
- Marry is used only for adults.
- Marry and 'get married' are completely interchangeable in all contexts.
- The past form is 'marryed' or 'marrie'.
Thinking Differences
English tends to treat marry as a concrete action with a direct person object; learners often confuse get married (the event/state) with marry (the action toward a person) and worry about ceremony connotations.
Learning Tips
- Practice with common collocations: marry for love; marry into a family.
- Recall that 'to marry' takes a direct object (marry someone).
- Differentiate 'to marry' from 'to get married' (event/state).
- Use correct past tense: married (not 'marryed').
- Watch for spelling and pronunciation: /ˈmæri/.
- Apply in real-life scenarios or role-plays.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence below uses the word 'marry' correctly?
A.She decided to marry her breakfast in the morning.
B.The couple will marry next week.
C.I will marry a book for my bedtime story.
D.He likes to marry under the tree.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'marry'?
A.Wed
B.Separate
C.Divorce
D.Play
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'marry'?
A.Divorce
B.Hate
C.Eat
D.Dance
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life scenario involving 'marry'?
A.She is planning her wedding details.
B.He enjoys eating a variety of foods.
C.They love going to book club meetings.
D.She is going for a walk in the park.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
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