Fiance

Fiance is a term used to describe a person who is engaged to be married. The term is derived from the French word "fiancé" for a man and "fiancée" for a woman. The engagement period is the time between the proposal and the marriage ceremony, during which the couple is referred to as fiancés.

Etymology

The word "fiance" comes from the Old French word "fiancer," which means "to betroth." It is related to the Latin word "fidere," meaning "to trust."

Engagement

An engagement is a formal agreement to marry. It is often marked by the giving of an engagement ring and may involve a formal announcement to family and friends. The engagement period allows the couple to plan their wedding and prepare for their future life together.

Cultural Variations

Different cultures have various customs and traditions associated with engagements. In some cultures, engagements are arranged by families, while in others, they are initiated by the couple themselves. The length of the engagement period can also vary widely, from a few months to several years.

Legal Aspects

In some jurisdictions, an engagement may have legal implications, such as the division of property if the engagement is broken off. However, in most places, an engagement is considered a private agreement without legal standing.

Related Terms

• Betrothal: An older term for engagement, often used in historical contexts.
• Marriage: The legally or formally recognized union of two people as partners in a personal relationship.
• Wedding: The ceremony in which two people are united in marriage.
• Engagement ring: A ring given by one person to another as a symbol of their engagement to be married.

See Also

• Marriage
• Wedding
• Engagement ring
• Betrothal
• Spouse