“Fiancé” and “fiancée” are terms used to describe a person who is engaged to be married. They’re homophones, that is they have similar pronunciations but different spellings, meanings, and uses.
The term “fiancé” is used to describe a man who is engaged to be married, while “fiancée” is used to describe a woman who is engaged to be married. The difference in spelling between the two words reflects the difference in gender.
Both terms are derived from the French word “fiancé,” which means “promised” or “pledged.” Fiancée is the feminine variant of the word “fiancé.” So, “fiancé” means “engaged man or future husband” and “fiancée” means “engaged woman or future wife.” The terms have been adopted into the English language and are now widely used, though sometimes confused because of their similar pronunciation—both words are pronounced exactly the same, that is fee-AHN-say.
It is also worth noting that while “fiancé” and “fiancée” are commonly used in heterosexual relationships, they are not limited to this context. These terms can also be used to refer to individuals in same-sex relationships who are engaged to be married.
