What is wedding? Pronunciation and usage in English

wedding means . Learn how to pronounce and use wedding through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of wedding

weddingnoun

/ˈwɛdɪŋ/
Definition & pronunciation of wedding

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "wedding" in English. It's a tricky one for non-native speakers! Here's the breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈwɛdɪŋ/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. "Wed": This is pronounced like "wed" in the word "Wednesday." It's a short "e" sound, almost like "way."
  2. "ding": This is where it gets tricky! It's not like "ding" as in a bell. Instead, it's a quick, subtle "d" sound followed by a very short "ɪ" sound (like the "i" in "bit"). Think of it as a very quick, almost clipped "d" followed by a tiny "i."

Tips for getting it right:

  • Don't overemphasize the "d": The "d" is almost silent and quick.
  • Focus on the short "i" sound: That little "i" is crucial. It sounds like "bit" or "sit."
  • Listen to examples: The BEST way to learn is to hear it pronounced. Here are some resources:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you some more examples of words with similar sounds?

Usage and examples with the word wedding in English

Let's break down how to use the word "wedding" in English. It's a fairly straightforward word, but understanding its nuances can help you use it correctly and effectively.

1. Basic Meaning:

  • A wedding is a ceremony where two people are married. It's the event itself – the celebration and the legal joining of two lives.

2. Forms of the Word:

  • Wedding (noun): The event itself. “They’re having a big wedding next summer.”
  • Wedded (adjective): Describes someone who is married. “The wedded couple looked happy.”
  • Wed (verb): To marry someone. “They decided to wed in a small ceremony.”

3. Common Ways to Use "Wedding" in Sentences:

  • Describing a wedding:

    • "The wedding was held in a beautiful chapel."
    • "She wore a stunning white wedding dress."
    • "The wedding reception was filled with dancing and laughter."
    • "They had a rustic, outdoor wedding."
    • "The wedding cost over $50,000."

  • Talking about wedding plans:

    • "We're starting to make wedding invitations."
    • "They’re choosing their wedding party."
    • "Have you seen the wedding venue yet?"
    • "What colour should the wedding decorations be?"

  • Referring to the day of the wedding:

    • "It was a magical wedding day."
    • "The wedding ceremony began at noon."
    • “The wedding photos looked amazing.”

  • More informal uses:

    • "Let's go to a wedding this weekend." (meaning an invitation to attend)
    • "They’re wedding bells in the air!” (meaning a marriage is happening)

4. Related Words & Phrases:

  • Wedding ceremony: The religious or legal part of the wedding.
  • Wedding reception: The party that follows the ceremony.
  • Wedding party: The people who attend the wedding.
  • Bridal party: The bridesmaids and groomsmen.
  • Wedding planner: Someone who organizes a wedding.
  • Wedding favors: Small gifts given to guests at the wedding.
  • First dance: The couple's first dance as husband and wife.

5. Example Paragraphs:

  • Example 1: "Sarah and David’s wedding was a joyous occasion. The ceremony took place in a historic church, followed by a lavish reception filled with food, music, and dancing. The bride looked absolutely radiant in her elegant gown."

  • Example 2: "Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it's also incredibly exciting! They’re currently researching wedding venues and working with a wedding planner to ensure everything runs smoothly."

Resources for More Information:

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  • What are you trying to do with the word "wedding"? (e.g., write a story, have a conversation, understand a text?)

Synonyms for the word wedding

Practice with vocabulary wedding

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The couple announced their upcoming _____, set for next spring, and have already sent out invitations.
  2. All employees are expected to attend the annual _____ next month to discuss strategic goals for the coming year.
  3. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the grand _____ ceremony had to be postponed until further notice.
  4. Guests were advised to arrive at the venue ___ least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time for the event.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of these terms typically involves a formal ceremony and celebration uniting two people? A) Betrothal B) Nuptials C) Wedding D) Engagement

  2. The company's annual _____ will be held in the main conference hall next month, discussing future strategies and quarterly performance. A) reunion B) meeting C) celebration D) assembly

  3. The couple chose a destination _____ in Italy for their special day, overlooking the Amalfi Coast. A) vacation B) gathering C) wedding D) convention

  4. He received an invitation to the formal _____ hosted by the ambassador, a significant diplomatic event with many dignitaries. A) banquet B) feast C) symposium D) reception

  5. Which of the following phrases correctly describes elements or events related to a marriage ceremony? A) Wedding vows B) Bridal shower C) Bachelor party D) Wedding annulment

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The ceremony where the two individuals exchanged vows and officially became husband and wife was truly memorable.

    • Rewrite, using a form of "wedding":

  2. They have been invited to a large party celebrating the formal union of their friends.

    • Rewrite, using a form of "wedding":

  3. The recent celebration of their long-term partnership, marking a specific date annually, was a joyful occasion.

    • Rewrite, without using "wedding":

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. wedding
  2. meeting
  3. wedding
  4. at

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) Nuptials, C) Wedding
  2. B) meeting, D) assembly
  3. C) wedding
  4. A) banquet, D) reception
  5. A) Wedding vows, B) Bridal shower, C) Bachelor party

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Their wedding ceremony was truly memorable.
  2. They have been invited to a large wedding reception for their friends.
  3. The recent anniversary of their long-term partnership was a joyful occasion.

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