'Fiancé' or 'Fiancée': Which is Correct?

Are you wondering whether to use 'fiance' or 'fiancee?' I can help!

Here is a quick answer in case you are short on time: 

• 'Fiance' is a noun for an engaged man. 
• 'Fiancee' is a noun for an engaged woman.

The answer above is just a brief overview though. To learn more about these terms, keep reading!

Which is Correct 'Fiance' or 'Fiancee?'

'Fiance' and 'fiancee' are both recognized English words. However, each word has a different meaning.

• A 'fiancee' is a woman who is engaged to be married
• A 'fiance' is an engaged man.

Therefore, you use 'fiance' if you are a woman talking about the man you are engaged to marry, and if you are a man referring to your future wife, you would use 'fiancee.'

Definition of 'Fiance': What Does 'Fiance' Mean?

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the definition of 'fiance' is a noun that means:

• A man engaged to be married

Like the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Dictionary.com defines 'fiance' as a noun that means:

• An engaged man

However, the Oxford Dictionary defines 'fiance' as a noun that means:

• Someone betrothed or engaged to be married

Synonyms and Similar Words to 'Fiance'

There are several synonyms and similar words you can use in place of 'fiance,' for example:

• Boyfriend
• Intended
• Betrothed
• Beloved
• Beau
• Groom
• Fellow
• Love
• Darling
• Sweetheart
• Sweetie pie
• Sweet
• Admirer
• Valentine
• Significant other
• Honey
• Flame
• Old man
• Future husband

Definition of 'Fiancee': What Does 'Fiancee' Mean?

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines 'fiancee' as a noun that means:

• A woman engaged to be married

The Cambridge Dictionary defines 'fiancee' as a noun that means:

• The woman, a future groom, is engaged to

And the Oxford Dictionary defines 'fiancee' as a variation of the noun 'fiance' that means:

• Someone engaged to be married

Synonyms and Similar Words to 'Fiancee'

Like 'fiance,' there are synonyms you can use for 'fiancee,' including:

• Girlfriend
• Betrothed
• Intended
• Love
• Honey
• Sweetie
• Sweetheart
• Future wife
• Wife-to-be
• Bride-to-be
• Old lady

Pronunciation: How to Pronounce 'Fiance' or 'Fiancee'

Now, let's look at the pronunciation of 'fiance' and 'fiancee.' Pronunciation is often overlooked, but whether you are learning English as a second language or improving your communication skills, knowing how to properly say words like these is beneficial.

So, here is a pronunciation guide.  

• Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'fiance':

fee-anh-say

• Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'fiancee':

fee-anh-say

As you can see, whether you are using 'fiance' or 'fiancee,' the pronunciation is the same, which adds to the confusion over its spelling.

When and How to Use 'Fiance' or 'Fiancee'

Here are some tips for when and how to use 'fiance' or 'fiancee.'

• Use 'fiance' when talking about a woman's future husband.

For example, you might hear someone say:

My sister hasn't attended a family gathering in three years, but she and her fiance will spend Thanksgiving with us this year.

• Use 'fiancee' when referring to a man's future wife.

As an example, you might hear someone say:

The groom is bringing his fiancee to see the venue this weekend. Please make sure that you take care of them. 

• Use 'fiance' if you are a woman speaking about your future husband.

So, if you are a bride, you might say:

Has my fiance arrived? Our wedding is scheduled to start in 45 minutes and the last time I checked he had not arrived. 

• Use 'fiancee' if you are a man referring to your future wife.

For example, you might say:

I bought my fiancee a beautiful 2 ct. Diamond ring, but she wasn't impressed with the shape or setting. 

Sample Sentences Using 'Fiance' or 'Fiancee'

Before you go, read these sample sentences using 'fiance' and 'fiancee.' They will help you remember the difference and when to use them.

Fiance

• All of the women are bringing their husbands or fiances to the event.
• She is lucky to have such a loving fiance. I am sure they will have a beautiful life together.
• If you plan on becoming someone's fiance, you must control your wandering eye.
• It is important to spend quality time with your fiance before your wedding day.
• Who is your fiance? Is he the big guy with blonde hair or the shorter man with hazel eyes?
• Do you remember how your fiance proposed to you?
• I wish we could have met your fiance the last time you two were in town.

Fiancee

• If you are running low on funds for a wedding, you can marry your fiancee at a mass wedding on Valentine's Day.
• You should not be dating other men if you are already someone's fiancee.
• If you plan to propose to your fiancee, you should make the proposal personal and unique.
• Where do you and your beautiful fiancee plan to honeymoon after you tie the knot?
• Have you introduced your fiancee to your friends' wives?
• My father told my mother he would marry her when they were 13 years old, but she did not become his fiancee for another 10 years.
• Have you met your father's fiancee? I heard she is a wonderful person, and they seem happy together.

Fiance/Fiancee

• If you are a bride-to-be, you are a fiancee, and if you are a husband-to-be, you are a fiance.
• Whether you are a fiance or fiancee, you should write your marital vows from the heart.

Recap: 'Fiance' vs. 'Fiancee'

We covered a lot of information in this post. So, here is a quick review of what you learned about whether 'fiance' or 'fiancee' is correct:

• 'Fiance' is a noun that means a man engaged to be married.
• 'Fiancee' is a noun that means a woman engaged to be married.
• Some people use 'fiance' for a man or woman engaged to be married. 

There are many other words like these that stump writers and English learners. So, if you ever need verification of the meaning of terms like these, you can always visit the confusing words section here.

There, you will find hundreds of guides like this one that explain the difference between terms with definitions, pronunciations, grammar rules, and examples.