Spanish Conversation · Level 178
15 words
Spanish word
dote
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈdote/
Meaning
- feminine noundowry
Example
Los padres dieron la dote a los novios.
The parents gave the dowry to the bride and groom.
More examples
Hoy muchas parejas acuerdan una boda sin dote.
Today many couples get married without a dowry.
Core concept
Wealth given with a marriage to secure economic or social standing.
Similar words
arras: Small coins or ceremonial money exchanged during the wedding as a symbolic pledge.
ajuar: A set of clothes and household items prepared for the couple's new home.
regalo: An item or money presented to celebrate an occasion, especially at a wedding.
Definition in Spanish
Bienes o dinero aportados al matrimonio, frecuentemente por la familia de la novia, con una función económica o social.
Word origin
The word comes from Latin dos (dotis) 'gift', and medieval law used it for marriage contributions, a sense retained in Spanish.
Usage tips
- Spanish dote is unrelated to the English verb dote 'to be excessively fond of', so the two words are false friends.