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antenuptial

American  
[an-tee-nuhp-shuhl, -chuhl] / ˌæn tiˈnʌp ʃəl, -tʃəl /

adjective

  1. before marriage.


Pronunciation

See nuptial.

Usage

What does antenuptial mean? Antenuptial means before marriage. The word prenuptial means the same thing and is much more commonly used. Prenuptial is especially used in the term prenuptial agreement, which refers to a legal contract entered into by a couple before marriage that specifies things like the division of their finances and assets, especially in case the marriage ends, such as through divorce. Prenuptial agreements are far more commonly referred to with the informal term prenup. The terms antenuptial agreement and antenuptial marriage contract mean the same thing as prenuptial agreement, but they are much less commonly used. The word antenuptial is sometimes used as a noun to refer to such contracts. Example: Everyone thought it was strange that we had an antenuptial agreement, but life is unpredictable.

Etymology

Origin of antenuptial

First recorded in 1810–20; ante- + nuptial


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

A formal antenuptial enlightenment, frank and expert, is needed by our civilization.

From The Nervous Housewife by Abraham Myerson

The first question that arises is as to the condition of this contract under evidence—this antenuptial contract.

From The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 10 (of 12) Dresden Edition?Legal by Robert Green Ingersoll

It was given to me before my marriage, made legally over to me in my antenuptial contract.

From All the Days of My Life: An Autobiography The Red Leaves of a Human Heart by Amelia Edith Huddleston Barr

There are no antenuptial relations between the pair, the marriage contract and all arrangements being made by their respective relatives.

From The Manóbos of Mindanáo Memoirs of the National Academy of Sciences, Volume XXIII, First Memoir by John M. Garvan

But let us go on the supposition that he is right, that the antenuptial contract is void, and that the other contract to provide for her in the will is also void.

From The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 10 (of 12) Dresden Edition?Legal by Robert Green Ingersoll

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