How Do You Spell ELOPEMENT?

Pronunciation: [ɪlˈə͡ʊpmənt] (IPA)

"Elopement" is a word that refers to the act of running away secretly in order to get married. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced as ɪˈloʊpmənt. The spelling of this word may seem a bit confusing at first, as it features the letters "elop" followed by "ment". However, by breaking the word into syllables, it becomes easier to understand the spelling. The "e-" at the start of the word represents the prefix that means "away from", while the "-ment" at the end of the word is a common suffix in English that denotes action or process.

ELOPEMENT Meaning and Definition

  1. Elopement refers to a specific type of escape or secret departure, often used to describe an unauthorized and clandestine marriage. It involves two individuals, typically a couple, who decide to get married without the knowledge or approval of their families or society. The term elopement has historical roots when it primarily referred to a scenario where a couple would run away secretly to get married, usually to avoid parental disapproval or the need to ask for permission. In such cases, the couple might flee to a different location, such as a different city or even another country, to carry out the marriage ceremony without the knowledge of family or friends.

    Elopement is often associated with romantic notions of forbidden love and spontaneous acts of passion. It is typically characterized by a sense of urgency and a desire for independence, as the couple seeks to escape the constraints or disapproval imposed by their families or social norms. Although elopements were once deemed scandalous or improper, they have become more widely accepted and popularized in modern times. Today, elopement can encompass a range of marriage scenarios, including simple and intimate weddings, where the couple chooses to exclude a larger ceremony or gathering, or where they opt for a private ceremony in a destination wedding setting.

  2. The private departure from a house without leave, as of a wife from a husband in order to cohabit with another man, or as a young woman from her parents or guardians in order to be married without their consent.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for ELOPEMENT *

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Other Common Misspellings for ELOPEMENT

Etymology of ELOPEMENT

The word "elopement" originated from the Middle English term "alope". "Alope" was derived from the Latin word "alopex", meaning a fox. In medieval Europe, it was common to describe young lovers who ran away secretly, just like a fox avoiding capture. Over time, the term evolved into "elope", which specifically referred to a couple running away together to get married without the consent or knowledge of their families. Thus, "elopement" came to describe the act of a couple secretly leaving together to marry clandestinely.

Similar spelling words for ELOPEMENT

Plural form of ELOPEMENT is ELOPEMENTS

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