Cohabitation: meaning, definitions and examples

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cohabitation

 

[ koʊˌhæbɪˈteɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

living together

Cohabitation refers to the state of living together and sharing a domestic life, typically in a romantic relationship without being legally married. It often entails a significant emotional bond and cohabitation agreements may be established to outline responsibilities and rights. As social norms evolve, cohabitation has become a common arrangement among couples.

Synonyms

coexistence, joint living, living together

Examples of usage

  • They decided on cohabitation to save money on rent.
  • Cohabitation can affect legal rights in certain jurisdictions.
  • Many young couples prefer cohabitation over marriage.

Translations

Translations of the word "cohabitation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 coabitação

🇮🇳 संवहन

🇩🇪 Eheähnliche Gemeinschaft

🇮🇩 kohabitas

🇺🇦 співжиття

🇵🇱 współżycie

🇯🇵 同居

🇫🇷 cohabitation

🇪🇸 cohabitación

🇹🇷 birlikte yaşama

🇰🇷 동거

🇸🇦 التعايش

🇨🇿 spolubydlení

🇸🇰 spolubývanie

🇨🇳 同居

🇸🇮 sobivanje

🇮🇸 sambúð

🇰🇿 бірге тұру

🇬🇪 კოაბიტაცია

🇦🇿 birlikdə yaşama

🇲🇽 cohabitación

Etymology

The word 'cohabitation' originates from the Latin term 'cohabitare', where 'co-' means 'together' and 'habitare' means 'to dwell'. The term first appeared in English in the early 15th century, primarily referring to the act of residing together, especially in a domestic setting. In the early uses, it typically described living arrangements between people who were not legally bound by marriage. Over the centuries, societal attitudes toward cohabitation have shifted significantly. By the late 20th century, cohabitation began to gain acceptance as a valid form of partnership among couples, with many choosing it as an alternative to traditional marriage. This evolution reflects broader changes in social norms regarding relationships, family structures, and legal considerations surrounding living situations.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,064, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.