The phrase "marry off" is a common expression used to describe the act of arranging a marriage for someone. It is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈmæri ɒf/. The first syllable, "marry," is pronounced with a short "a" sound, while the second syllable, "off," is pronounced with a short "o" sound. The stress is placed on the first syllable, giving it emphasis. "Marry off" can also be used passively to describe when someone is getting married to another person that has been arranged for them.
The phrase "marry off" refers to the act of arranging or facilitating a marriage for someone, typically by finding a suitable spouse or partner for them. It involves actively participating in the process of selecting and securing a marital match for an individual. The term is commonly used in situations where the person being married off may not have actively sought a partner or may not have much agency in the decision-making process.
"Marry off" is often employed in the context of cultural or traditional practices, where family members, close friends, or matchmakers take the responsibility of finding a marital partner for someone. It can also be associated with arranged marriages, where the primary intention is to secure a union that aligns with cultural, economic, or political considerations rather than purely personal choices.
This phrase implies an active role in the negotiation, introduction, and arrangement of the marriage rather than a passive matchmaking role. The purpose is to successfully unite two individuals in matrimony. The use of "marry off" highlights the emphasis on finding a suitable partner and completing the marriage within a certain timeframe, as opposed to allowing the individual to pursue their romantic interests or choose a partner independently.
The word "marry off" is a phrasal verb that originated in the English language.
The word "marry" itself comes from the Middle English "marie", which can be traced back to the Old English word "mǣrige". The Old English term ultimately derives from the Proto-Germanic word "*mērijaną", meaning "to give (a woman) in marriage".
The word "off" is a preposition that expresses movement or direction away from something. In the context of "marry off", it implies the act of sending someone away from their current situation, usually in the sense of arranging a marriage for them.
Therefore, when combined, "marry off" essentially means to arrange a marriage for someone and send them away from their present circumstances to start a new life with their spouse.