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intermarry

A2
verb

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ˌɪntəmˈæri/

US

  • /ˌɪntərˈmæri/

Description

Imagine two neighboring villages, each with its own traditions and way of life. When people from these villages begin to marry into each other's communities, it starts to build trust and break down old barriers. It is more than a set of individual love stories; it is about families becoming connected across groups that once stayed apart.

Historically, the term often referred to marriages between people of different religions or ethnic groups. However, it can also describe marriages across social class or regional lines. A classic example is royal families marrying into other kingdoms to build alliances and keep peace. It is one way cultures mix and change, though this can also bring social tension.

Examples

  1. 1

    Neighboring villages

    In that region, people from neighboring villages often intermarried.

  2. 2

    Communities

    The two communities lived side by side for years before they began to intermarry.

  3. 3

    Religious expectations

    Some families expected their children to intermarry within the same religion.

  4. 4

    Powerful families

    Members of the old ruling families often intermarried with other powerful families.

  5. 5

    Family relations

    After several generations, the families had intermarried so much that everyone seemed to be related.

Forms and spellings

4 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • intermarryverb

Forms

  • intermarriedpast tenseverb
  • intermarrying-ing formverb
  • intermarriesverb