Engagement Ring: Meaning, History & How to Choose

Meaning 1：betrothal ring (Engagement Ring)

Engagement Ring 🔊

/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒmənt rɪŋ/

A ring given when proposing marriage, representing engagement and the promise to get married.

Engagement ring proposal scene with sparkling diamond ring

betrothal ring 🔊

➕

/bɪˈtroʊðəl rɪŋ/

A ring given by one partner to another during a marriage proposal, symbolizing a formal agreement to marry.

📁 Category：Culture & History 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old French 'engager' (to pledge) + '-ment' + Old English 'hring' (circle).

💡 Mnemonic

Engage her heart with a ring that says 'I promise'.

📖 Example

She couldn't stop admiring the beautiful engagement ring on her finger. 🔊 She couldn't stop admiring the beautiful engagement ring on her finger.

🔗 Collocations

give an engagement ring – to present an engagement ring as a token of proposal

propose with an engagement ring – to use an engagement ring during a marriage proposal

wear an engagement ring – to display an engagement ring on one's finger

🔄 Synonyms

betrothal ring (n.) – A ring exchanged to signify a formal engagement to marry

proposal ring (n.) – A ring given at the moment of asking someone to marry

engagement band (n.) – A ring worn to indicate one is engaged to be married

📖 Cultural Story

The custom of giving an engagement ring dates back to ancient Rome, symbolizing a binding contract. The diamond ring became iconic in the 20th century.