means A formally recognized union between two people, typically involving legal, social, or religious commitments and shared life.

from From Old French 'mariage,' built on the verb 'marier' (to marry), which traces back to Latin 'maritare' (to wed) and 'maritus' (husband). The Latin 'maritus' may be linked to an older root suggesting 'provided with a mate' — the word itself quietly insisting from the start that you don't go it alone.