How Do You Spell WEDLOCK?

Pronunciation: [wˈɛdlɒk] (IPA)

The word "wedlock" is spelled with the phonetic transcription /ˈwɛdlɒk/. The initial "w" is pronounced as a voiced labiovelar glide, followed by a short "e" sound, and then a voiced alveolar stop "d". The second syllable is pronounced with a short "o" sound and a voiceless velar stop "k". The spelling of "wedlock" derives from the Old English word "wedlāc", which meant a pledge or vow of marriage. The word eventually evolved to mean the state of being married, particularly with an emphasis on the social and legal aspects of marriage.

WEDLOCK Meaning and Definition

1. Wedlock is a noun that refers to the state or condition of being married, particularly in legal and social contexts. It is defined as the state of matrimony, the lawful union of two individuals as partners in a recognized and binding relationship, accompanied by legal obligations and rights.

   The term wedlock emphasizes the formal and legal aspect of marriage. This conveys the idea that marriage is not simply a casual or temporary union, but rather a serious and enduring commitment. It implies the presence of a contractual agreement between two individuals to share their lives together and build a familial unit.

   Wedlock is often contrasted with other forms of relationships, such as cohabitation or informal partnerships, which lack the legal recognition and connotations associated with traditional marriage. The term also highlights the societal expectations and responsibilities that come with marriage, such as fidelity, monogamy, and the protection and support of one's spouse and any children that may result from the union.

   In summary, wedlock is the formal and legally recognized state of being married. It reflects the obligations, rights, and commitment inherent in a lawful marital relationship and signifies the joining of two individuals in a recognized and binding union.

2. Marriage.

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

Top Common Misspellings for WEDLOCK *

• wetlock 100%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for WEDLOCK

• wedlocks
• dealock
• dlock
• unwedlock
• worlock
• dedlock
• podlock
• ridlock
• hndlock
• pedlock
• wedloc
• hedloc
• wedlocke
• wedlockde
• Sedelock
• Dedloc
• Jedock
• Hedlok
• wudloch
• Pedock
• weldlock
• wydlock
• NEDLACK
• Lveelock

Etymology of WEDLOCK

The word "wedlock" originated from the Old English term "wǣdlāc", which was formed by combining "wǣd" (meaning "pledge" or "vow") and "lāc" (meaning "activity", "play", or "ritual"). It referred to the state of being wedded or married, emphasizing the contractual aspect of marriage. The word "wedlock" first appeared in the Middle English period around the 14th century and has remained in use since then to describe the state of being married.

Idioms with the word WEDLOCK

• born out of wedlock The idiom "born out of wedlock" refers to a person who is born to parents who are not married to each other. It typically implies that the child's parents were not legally married at the time of their birth, which may carry social or moral implications depending on cultural and historical contexts.

Plural form of WEDLOCK is WEDLOCKS