Wed
/wɛd/noun
To marry or enter into a formal union with someone.
Did you know?The same ancient Germanic root behind “wed” also produced words for a pledge, payment, and wager, revealing marriage’s early contractual character.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wadh-
“To pledge or redeem; a reconstructed root associated with binding promises.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*wadjaną
“To pledge or promise, especially in a formal agreement.”
Old English
Old English
weddian
“To pledge oneself, betroth, or marry.”
Middle English
Middle English
wedden
“To marry or take as a spouse.”
14th Century
English
wed
“To marry; also, to join or unite formally.”
Modern English
English
wed
“To marry or enter into a formal marital union.”