Quick answer
Marry means indeed; certainly; an old exclamation of surprise or emphasis. It is usually pronounced MAR-ee, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Marry
Marry means indeed; certainly; an old exclamation of surprise or emphasis. It belongs to shakespearean and stagey words and works best in playful writing, lively dialogue, and moments when plain wording feels too flat. It still feels usable today, especially when you want a word with more character than the plainest alternative.
At a glance
shakespeareanstageydramatic
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, marry refers to indeed; certainly; an old exclamation of surprise or emphasis. It is most useful when a plain label would tell the truth but miss the tone, flavor, or comic edge.
Why this word feels absurd
Marry feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
Marry is generally traced to early modern English oath derived from the name Mary. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Marry is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
Example sentences
- Marry, that was a bold entrance for such a small character.
- Marry, I did not expect the old play to be that funny.
- The actor threw in a cheerful “marry” to heighten the Elizabethan tone.
- In parody, “marry” instantly makes the voice sound antique and theatrical.
When should you use this word?
Use marry when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in playful writing, dialogue, and places where tone matters.
Similar words
indeed, truly, forsooth, certainly, surely
Opposite or contrasting words
perhaps, maybe, uncertainly
Common questions
- What does marry mean? Indeed; certainly; an old exclamation of surprise or emphasis.
- How do you pronounce marry? It is commonly pronounced MAR-ee.
- Is marry still used today? Marry is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
- When should you use marry? Use marry when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in playful writing, dialogue, and places where tone matters.
- What words are similar to marry? Similar words include indeed, truly, forsooth, and certainly.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.