How Do You Spell SPOUSALS?

Pronunciation: [spˈa͡ʊsə͡lz] (IPA)

The word "spousals" refers to a wedding or marriage ceremony. Its spelling follows the phonetic transcription /ˈspaʊzəlz/, with the stress on the first syllable. The -sals suffix indicates a plural noun, relative to the singular form "spousal." This word comes from the Old French "espousailles" which means the same thing. Although "spousals" is not commonly used in everyday conversation, it's still used in legal and formal contexts, and it's vital to spell it correctly when it's necessary to use it.

SPOUSALS Meaning and Definition

1. Spousals, also referred to as espousals, is a term that encompasses the various activities and customs associated with the engagement and marriage ceremony of a couple. The word is derived from the Old French term "espouse," meaning "to promise" or "to marry." It typically refers to the formal and public declaration of the intent to marry, along with the vows and promises made by the couple.

   In historical contexts, spousals often involved a contractual agreement between the families or communities of the individuals getting married. These agreements would outline the financial and social obligations of both parties, as well as the terms and conditions of the marriage itself. They were typically accompanied by a formal celebration or ceremony, during which the couple exchanged rings or other symbols of their union.

   In modern times, spousals are usually considered part of the engagement period that precedes the wedding ceremony. It encompasses the moment when a couple publicly announces their intention to marry, which is often celebrated with an engagement party. However, the term is rarely used in everyday language, and its significance and usage vary across different cultures and countries.

   Overall, spousals encompass the formal and ceremonial aspects of a couple's commitment to marry, regardless of the specific cultural or historical context. They are a crucial part of the journey towards matrimony and signify the couple's intention to spend their lives together.

2. Marriage; nuptials.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for SPOUSALS

• spousual
• spousel
• spousall
• spoumous
• Sporosas
• spouselss
• esposals
• suposals
• eposals
• expolsals

Etymology of SPOUSALS

The word "spousals" is derived from the Old French term "espousailles", which ultimately traces back to the Latin term "sponsālia". In Latin, "sponsālia" was the plural form of "sponsālium", which referred to the betrothal or engagement ceremony. The Latin term was derived from "spondēre", meaning "to promise" or "to pledge". Over time, the term "espousailles" made its way into Middle English as "spousailes", eventually evolving into the modern English term "spousals".