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What does the term "marry" mean in Romeo and Juliet?

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In Romeo and Juliet, the term "marry" is an exclamation used for emphasis, similar to "indeed," "well," or "listen" in modern English. It often introduces a statement, as seen when Gregory says, "No, marry; I fear thee," meaning "No, indeed; I fear thee."

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The word marry shows up quite a few times during this play, and not all of its uses refer to a ceremony that joins two people together. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary does list what it calls an "archaic" usage of the word marry.

used for emphasis and especially to express amused or surprised agreement

It's an exclamation of sorts, and it can be used in a variety of ways, but it most often introduces a statement. In today's English, the word "marry" could be replaced with something like "listen," "indeed," or "well." The slang word "dude" could actually work too in some cases.

The first time readers see this word is when Sampson and Gregory are talking.

SAMPSON

Fear me not.

GREGORY

No, marry; I fear thee!

We also see the word used several times in act 1, scene 5. Romeo asks the nurse who Juliet's mother is, and she responds by leading her statement with marry.

ROMEO

What is her mother?

Nurse

Marry, bachelor,
Her mother is the lady of the house,

The nurse is basically saying, "Indeed, young man, her mom is Lady Capulet." A few lines later, Juliet asks the nurse who somebody is, and the nurse responds again with the word marry.

JULIET

What's he that now is going out of door?

Nurse

Marry, that, I think, be young Petrucio.

Perhaps this time, you could substitute in the word "well." Her statement might be "Well, that guy, I think is young Petrucio."

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The word "Marry" is an exclamation used in Shakespeare's time.  Its best definition is "indeed!".  For example, when Gregory says to Sampson:

No, marry; I fear thee.

The translation can be:

No, indeed; I fear thee.

I have included a good link to Shakespearean terms to help you in your reading.

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