How Do You Spell BRIDEPRICE?

Pronunciation: [bɹˈa͡ɪdpɹa͡ɪs] (IPA)

Brideprice, spelled as /braɪdprais/ in IPA phonetic transcription, is a cultural practice where the groom or his family pays a sum of money or goods to the bride's family in exchange for her hand in marriage. In some cultures, it is also referred to as bride wealth or dowry, although these terms have different meanings. Despite being a controversial practice, brideprice is still common in many parts of the world, especially in Africa and Asia. The spelling of this word is derived from the combination of the words "bride" and "price".

BRIDEPRICE Meaning and Definition

1. Brideprice, also known as bride wealth or bride token, is a cultural practice prevalent in many societies, particularly in African and certain Asian regions. It refers to the payment or exchange of goods, money, or livestock from the groom or his family to the family of the bride as a customary requirement for marriage.

   The brideprice serves as a form of compensation to the bride's family for the loss of her economic and productive contributions to their household. It is also a symbolic act that demonstrates the groom's ability to provide for his future wife and is often seen as a way of validating the marriage. This payment can vary significantly in value, depending on factors such as the social status of the families involved, the region, and local traditions.

   Traditionally, the brideprice consists of items or livestock of substantial value, such as cows, goats, land, or jewelry. However, in modern times, it can also involve cash payments or a combination of various assets. The brideprice is typically negotiated and agreed upon by the families of the bride and groom before the marriage takes place.

   Critics of the practice argue that brideprice reinforces gender inequality and the commodification of women, as it can imply a sense of ownership or purchase of the bride. Others contend that when not handled with sensitivity and respect, it can lead to exploitation or financial burdens for the groom's family. In recent years, there have been calls for its reform or abolition to promote gender equality and fairer treatment in marriage customs.

Common Misspellings for BRIDEPRICE

• vrideprice
• nrideprice
• hrideprice
• grideprice
• beideprice
• bdideprice
• bfideprice
• btideprice
• b5ideprice
• b4ideprice
• brudeprice
• brjdeprice
• brkdeprice
• brodeprice
• br9deprice
• br8deprice
• briseprice
• brixeprice
• briceprice
• brifeprice

Etymology of BRIDEPRICE

The term "brideprice" is formed by combining two words: "bride" and "price".

1. "Bride": The word "bride" comes from the Old English word "bryd" or "bryde", which means a woman to be married or a newly married woman. It is also related to the Old Norse word "bruðr", meaning "bride" or "fiancée". The root can ultimately be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*brūdiz".

2. "Price": The word "price" originates from the Old French word "pris", meaning "value" or "worth". It entered English through the Old Norse word "prīs", which had a similar meaning. The Old Norse term was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*prīsiją", meaning "price" or "prize".