Married vs. Wedded — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on May 3, 2024
"Married" refers to the state of being in a marriage, emphasizing the ongoing relationship status, while "wedded" is often used to describe the event or action of getting married, focusing on the ceremony.
Difference Between Married and Wedded
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Married describes the ongoing condition or status of having a spouse, signifying a long-term commitment recognized legally or socially. Conversely, wedded typically refers to the act of getting married, often used in the context of the wedding ceremony itself.
Being married is a recognized legal status that entails specific rights and responsibilities, such as tax benefits, inheritance rights, and decision-making powers in healthcare situations. Whereas, being wedded is a term more poetically or formally used to denote the moment one enters into marriage, without implying the continuing legal implications.
Married individuals often refer to themselves as such to indicate their continuous bond and the permanence of their relationship. On the other hand, someone may describe themselves as newly wedded to highlight the recent occurrence of their marriage ceremony.
The term "married" can be used in various legal and social documents to denote a current relationship state that affects many aspects of personal, financial, and social life. In contrast, "wedded" might appear in more romantic or celebratory contexts, such as in vows, invitations, or in the narrative of a wedding ceremony.
Culturally, being married is a status that impacts identity and social perception, often influencing how individuals are viewed in communities and societies. Conversely, being wedded is typically celebrated as a significant life event, marking the transition into a marital status but not carrying the same ongoing cultural implications.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
The state of being in a marriage
The act or event of getting married
Usage
Legal, social, continuous
Formal, event-specific, ceremonial
Implications
Ongoing rights and responsibilities
Immediate, tied to the wedding event
Contextual Connotations
Permanence, commitment
Celebration, initiation of marital status
Cultural Impact
Affects identity and social perception long-term
Marks a significant life event, less long-term impact
Compare with Definitions
Married
Joined in a close union.
The product's success is married to its innovation.
Wedded
Combined or united.
The project was a result of ideas wedded with technology.
Married
Pertaining to marriage.
Married life has its challenges and joys.
Wedded
Formally united in marriage.
They were wedded at the beach at sunset.
Married
Having a spouse.
She is married and lives with her family in Chicago.
Wedded
Joined in marriage ceremony.
The couple is newly wedded.
Married
Legally united in marriage.
They have been happily married for ten years.
Wedded
Associated closely.
Her fate seemed wedded to his decisions.
Married
Bound by commitment.
He's married to his job, rarely taking time off.
Wedded
Connected or attached.
He is wedded to traditional methods of teaching.
Married
(of two people) united in marriage
A married couple
Wedded
Joined in marriage.
Married
Married people
We were young marrieds during World War Two
Wedded
Of or relating to marriage
Wedded bliss.
Married
Having a spouse
A married woman.
A married man.
Wedded
Closely attached or devoted
A person completely wedded to a profession.
Married
United in matrimony
A married couple.
Wedded
(of a couple) Joined in marriage.
Married
Of or relating to the state of marriage
Married bliss.
Wedded
Joined as if in a marriage.
She was too wedded to the first thought that came into her mind to see that her second idea was better.
Married
Acquired through marriage
Her married name.
Wedded
Simple past tense and past participle of wed
Married
Closely connected; united.
Wedded
Joined in wedlock; married.
Let w alth, let honor, wait the wedded dame.
Married
A married person
Young marrieds.
Wedded
Of or pertaining to wedlock, or marriage.
Married
In a state of marriage; having a wife or a husband.
Are you married or single?
Wedded
Having been taken in marriage
Married
(figuratively) Showing commitment or devotion normally reserved for a spouse.
Married to one's work
Married to an idea
Married
Simple past tense and past participle of marry
Married
A married person.
Married
Being in the state of matrimony; having a spouse; wedded; as, a married man or woman; - of one person.
Married
Of or pertaining to marriage; connubial; as, the married state; one's married name.
Married
Wedded to each other; as, a married couple; John and Joan are no longer married; - of two people.
Married
Joined to form one object; united.
Married
Joined in matrimony;
A married man
A married couple
Married
Of or relating to the state of marriage;
Marital status
Marital fidelity
Married bliss
Common Curiosities
How is the term wedded used in formal contexts?
Wedded is often used in formal or celebratory contexts, particularly when referring to the wedding ceremony or in poetic expressions.
Is there a difference in the emotional connotation between married and wedded?
Married often carries a connotation of stability and ongoing commitment, whereas wedded might evoke the joy and celebration associated with the wedding day.
Can wedded be used to describe long-term relationships?
Wedded typically describes the act or event of the marriage itself and is less commonly used to describe ongoing relationships.
What are the social implications of being married?
Being married can affect one's social identity, influencing perceptions in community and societal interactions.
Can someone be wedded without being married?
In common usage, being wedded implies being married, but metaphorically, one can be "wedded" to ideas or causes without any marital connotations.
Do legal documents refer to wedded or married status?
Legal documents typically refer to an individual's status as married rather than wedded, which is more relevant for ongoing legal and social matters.
What does it mean to be married to one's job?
This is a figurative use of "married," implying a deep commitment to one's work, often at the expense of other aspects of life.
What is the legal significance of being married?
Being married confers legal benefits like tax advantages, inheritance rights, and decision-making authority in healthcare and financial matters.
How does culture affect perceptions of being married vs. being wedded?
Cultural values can influence the importance and expectations of both married life and the wedding ceremony, impacting how each is celebrated and perceived.
Is the transition from being wedded to being married significant?
The transition from wedded (celebrating the wedding day) to married (living as a married couple) marks a significant shift from a single event to an ongoing state.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Ancient vs. Antique
Next Comparison
Inhabitant vs. CitizenAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
