consummation

Consummation is the act of completing or fulfilling something. In everyday usage, the term most often refers to the consummation of a marriage—the moment when the marital bond is completed through sexual intercourse after the wedding ceremony. The word can also describe the completion of a contract, agreement, or transaction when all terms have been performed and the deal is finalized.

Etymology and usage: The term comes from Latin consummatio, from consummare, meaning to complete, finish, or perfect.

Marriage and law: In some religious and historical contexts, consummation has been regarded as an essential or symbolic aspect of marriage. The legal significance of consummation varies by jurisdiction and tradition: some systems recognize non-consummation as grounds for annulment or special considerations in the dissolution of a marriage, while many civil legal systems treat marriage as valid regardless of consummation.

Other uses: In secular language, to consummate a deal means to complete all steps and formalities required to finalize a transaction, such as signing, funding, and closing. The term thus covers both personal and commercial contexts, emphasizing completion rather than mere agreement.

Notes: The term is less commonly used in modern everyday speech outside of these contexts, but remains a standard term in religious, historical, or legal writing.