Langimage
English

affianced

|af-fi-anced|

C1

/əˈfaɪənst/

(affiance)

promise in marriage

Base Form3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleNounNoun
affianceaffiancesaffiancedaffiancedaffiancingaffiancementaffiancer
Etymology
Etymology Information

'affianced' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'affier,' where 'a-' meant 'to' and 'fier' meant 'trust.'

Historical Evolution

'affier' transformed into the Middle English word 'affien,' and eventually became the modern English word 'affiance.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to pledge one's faith or trust,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to engage to be married.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

past participle form of 'affiance'.

They were affianced in a small ceremony.

Adjective 1

formally engaged to be married.

They are affianced and plan to marry next spring.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/05/22 21:21