fiancé

A fiancé is a man who has entered into an engagement to marry someone, while fiancée refers to a woman in the same circumstance. The term derives from the French verb fiancer, meaning to betroth, and the noun forms denote a person who has been betrothed. In modern English, the gender is often indicated by the accent marks: fiancé for the male and fiancée for the female; many English texts omit the diacritics and write fiance or fiancee.

Engagement is a social or personal commitment between two people prospectively planning marriage. It commonly involves social announcements and may include the giving of an engagement ring. The legal significance of an engagement varies by jurisdiction; in most places it does not create enforceable marital rights or obligations. Some areas recognize related legal concepts or enforceable duties in special circumstances, and couples may address property, finances, and prenuptial arrangements through separate agreements.

Cultural and legal practices surrounding engagement differ widely. In some traditions, family consent or religious ceremony accompanies the engagement, while in others the decision rests primarily with the couple. The duration of an engagement, expectations for conduct, and plans for the wedding can also vary and influence social perceptions.

See also: Betrothal, Engagement ring, Marriage.