Etymology Map
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Marry

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to become someone's husband or wife

Where does the word "marry" come from? It comes from Latin maritare, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
maritare
Latin · ancient
"to wed"
from 'maritus', husband
2
Stage 2 of 3
marier
Old French · medieval
"to marry"
the same root as 'marriage'
3
Stage 3 of 3
marry
English · 1300s
"to wed"
the old oath 'marry!' is a mild form of 'by Mary'
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Read the full story

Marry’s story begins in Latin: maritare meant “to wed.” From 'maritus', husband. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as marier. The same root as 'marriage'. It reached English by 1300s as marry. The old oath 'marry!' is a mild form of 'by Mary'. Today, marry means to become someone's husband or wife.