The word "fiancees" is the plural form of "fiancee," meaning a woman engaged to be married. It is pronounced /fiˌɑ̃.seɪz/ and is spelled with a cedilla under the letter "c" to indicate that it is pronounced like an "s." This is because in French, from which the word originates, the letter "c" is pronounced like an "s" when it comes before the vowels "i" and "e." The word "fiancé" also follows this spelling rule.
Fiancées, a plural noun derived from the French word "fiancé," refers to female individuals who are engaged to be married. It specifically designates women who have accepted a proposal of marriage and are set to become brides in the near future.
A fiancée is someone who has formally agreed to marry their partner, usually indicated by the exchange of engagement rings. The term highlights the distinction between being engaged and merely dating or being in a committed relationship. Fiancées often play a crucial role in the planning and preparation of the wedding, collaborating with their partners on various aspects of the ceremony like selecting the venue, organizing guest lists, and arranging the details of the celebration.
To further emphasize the commitment and distinction, the term "fiancée" is typically used for women who are engaged, while the term "fiancé" is reserved for men in the same situation. Both terms come from the French verb "fiancer," meaning "to promise." Fiancées can be regarded as the future spouses of their respective fiancés, representing a promise of marriage that is yet to be fulfilled.
Overall, fiancées symbolize the stage just before making a lifelong commitment to another person. They embody the anticipation and excitement that come with the forthcoming marriage, often involving joint decision-making and actively preparing for their shared future together.
The word fiancées is derived from the French language. It comes from the French word fiancé, which means a man engaged to be married. The word fiancé is the masculine form, while fiancée is the feminine form. Both terms came into English usage in the mid-19th century. The French word fiancé ultimately traces back to the Latin term fidare, meaning to trust or to confide.