Adulteress - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in relationships

A woman who commits adultery, typically with a man who is married to someone else.

Synonyms

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
adulteress	This is a formal and somewhat archaic term often used in legal or religious contexts to describe a married woman who engages in a sexual relationship outside of her marriage. In the old town, a public trial was held for the adulteress. The community was quick to judge her as an adulteress.
cheater	This is a more casual and widely understood term that is used to describe anyone who breaks the rules or deceives, including in romantic relationships. It carries a negative connotation. She felt betrayed when she found out he was a cheater. Everyone in school knew him as a cheater after the scandal.
homewrecker	This term is specifically used to describe a person who is responsible for ending a marriage or relationship, usually by having an affair with one of the partners. It is highly pejorative. People in the neighborhood started calling her a homewrecker. Being labeled a homewrecker can have lasting social repercussions.
mistress	This term is used to describe a woman who is in a romantic or sexual relationship with a married man. It is often used in a context that implies secrecy and scandal. He kept his mistress in a separate apartment. Rumors about the CEO's mistress were spreading fast.

Examples of usage

She was labeled as an adulteress after the affair with her neighbor.
The adulteress was shunned by the community for her actions.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Perspectives

In many cultures, being an adulteress can lead to severe social stigma, often resulting in ostracization or legal consequences.
Literature from various cultures, such as the story of Hester Prynne in 'The Scarlet Letter', illustrates societal views and the consequences of adultery.

Psychology

Studies suggest that reasons behind infidelity can include emotional dissatisfaction, a desire for novelty, or unmet needs within a marriage.
Research shows that women might engage in extramarital affairs for different reasons than men, often seeking emotional connection rather than physical changes.

Legal History

Historically, many legal systems defined adulteresses as women who could be prosecuted, while men faced much lighter consequences under similar conditions.
In some cultures, laws against adultery have evolved, with certain countries decriminalizing it over recent decades.

Pop Culture

The concept of an adulteress appears frequently in films and TV shows, often leading to dramatic plots and moral questions.
Famous operas, such as 'Carmen' and 'Madama Butterfly', explore themes of love, betrayal, and the societal roles of women in romantic entanglements.

Origin of 'adulteress'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'adulterare', meaning to corrupt or to make impure, which reflects the idea of breaking marital vows.
In older texts, the term was often used to describe women only, while similar terms for men were less common, highlighting historical gender biases.

The word 'adulteress' has its origins in the Latin word 'adultera' which means 'a female adulterer'. In many historical societies, adultery was considered a serious offense, especially when committed by a woman. The term 'adulteress' has been used throughout history to describe women who engage in extramarital affairs, often facing social stigma and consequences. While attitudes towards adultery have evolved over time, the word 'adulteress' continues to carry a negative connotation.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,810 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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32807 kilter
32808 metrically
32809 impudently
32810 adulteress
32811 bosh
32812 arteriole
32813 stolidly
...

Adulteress Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations