Meaning of Word
A bridegroom is a man who is getting married or has recently been married.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- The Groom in a Wedding: The bridegroom is the male participant in a wedding ceremony, typically referring to the man who is marrying the bride.
- Recently Married Man: A bridegroom can also refer to the man who has just gotten married, whether in the lead-up to or immediately following the wedding ceremony.
History and Origin
The word “bridegroom” has been in use since the 9th century and is derived from the Old English word brȳdguma. It is a compound of “bride” (from Old English brȳd) and “guma” (meaning man). Historically, the term referred to a young man about to marry, but over time it became specifically associated with the role of the male in a wedding.
Detailed Explanation
The term “bridegroom” refers specifically to the man in a wedding, particularly during the ceremony and festivities surrounding the event. The bridegroom’s role is typically central to the marriage celebration, standing beside the bride. The term can also be used after the wedding to refer to a newly married man. In some cultures, the bridegroom’s duties might include providing a dowry or making formal commitments during the wedding, depending on tradition.
Although “groom” is sometimes used as a shorter form of “bridegroom,” the full term is still commonly used in formal wedding contexts.
Example Sentences
- The bridegroom looked nervous as the ceremony began.
- The bridegroom’s best man delivered a heartfelt speech at the reception.
- At the wedding, the bridegroom and bride exchanged vows.
- The bridegroom was dressed in a black tuxedo for the ceremony.
- The couple celebrated their wedding anniversary, marking one year since the bridegroom said “I do.”
- The bridegroom was greeted with cheers as he walked down the aisle.
- The bridegroom and his family arrived early for the pre-wedding rituals.
- After the ceremony, the bridegroom kissed his bride to seal their vows.
- As the bridegroom danced with his mother, the guests applauded.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Groom: A shorter, more casual term for the bridegroom, referring to the male participant in a wedding.
- Husband: A man who has married, the status one assumes after being a bridegroom.
- Fiancé: A man engaged to be married, though not yet a bridegroom.
- Betrothed: Referring to a man who is engaged to be married, similar in meaning to fiancé.
- Spouse: A person’s husband or wife, generally used after the wedding but can refer to a bridegroom once married.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Bride: The woman who is getting married, the counterpart to the bridegroom.
- Marriage: The legally or formally recognized union of two people, often involving the bridegroom and bride.
- Wedding: The ceremony in which two people are united in marriage, involving the bridegroom and bride.
- Vows: Promises made during a wedding ceremony, which are often exchanged by the bridegroom and bride.
- Ceremony: A formal event, such as a wedding, where the bridegroom and bride participate in various rituals.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Best man: The groom’s closest friend or relative who assists the bridegroom during the wedding ceremony.
- Father of the bride: The father of the bride, who often has a role in the wedding alongside the bridegroom.
- Wedding reception: A celebration following the wedding ceremony, where the bridegroom and bride often take part in the festivities.
- Matrimony: The state of being married, of which the bridegroom is a key participant.
- Groom’s party: A group of people chosen by the bridegroom to stand by him during the wedding ceremony, usually consisting of groomsmen.
Antonyms
- Bride: The woman who is getting married, the counterpart to the bridegroom.
- Ex-husband: A man who was once married but is no longer, the opposite status of a bridegroom.
- Single: A person who is not married, unlike a bridegroom who is about to or has already entered into marriage.
- Bachelor: A man who is not yet married, contrasting with the status of a bridegroom.
- Widower: A man whose spouse has died, as opposed to a bridegroom who is in the process of marrying.
