Cohabited Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cohabited

[koʊˈhæbɪtɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

living together

Cohabited means to live together and share a domestic life. This term often refers to couples who live together in a romantic relationship without being legally married. It emphasizes the aspect of sharing a household and responsibilities. Cohabitation can involve various arrangements and may include legal or financial commitments.

Synonyms

cohabit, domestic partnership, live together, share a home.

Examples of usage

  • They have cohabited for over five years.
  • Many young couples choose to cohabitate before marriage.
  • Cohabiting can influence relationship dynamics.
  • Legal issues can arise from cohabiting.
  • Cohabited couples might share expenses.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'cohabitation' comes from Latin 'cohabitare', meaning 'to dwell together'.
  • Historical records show that cohabitation increased significantly after the 1960s due to changing social attitudes.
  • The idea of living together without being married was once frowned upon in many cultures, reflecting shifts in family dynamics.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, cohabitation is seen as a normal step before marriage, while in others, it's still considered taboo.
  • Countries like Sweden and France have high rates of cohabitation as a common lifestyle choice amongst young adults.
  • Legal recognition of cohabited relationships varies globally, affecting rights related to property, inheritance, and parenting.

Psychological Insights

  • Studies suggest that couples who cohabitate before marriage may have differing expectations about commitment and responsibilities.
  • Cohabitation can influence relationship satisfaction, with some research indicating it may lead to higher divorce rates in certain contexts.
  • The arrangement may allow couples to better understand compatibility before making long-term commitments.

Legal Aspects

  • In many jurisdictions, cohabited couples may have no legal protection unless they establish common-law marriage or similar arrangements.
  • Some places offer 'cohabitation agreements' to clarify rights regarding property and finances if the relationship ends.
  • The legal implications of cohabitation can differ dramatically between regions, impacting issues like custody and spousal support.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and TV shows often depict cohabitating couples to explore relationship dynamics and social challenges.
  • Some celebrities have entered into cohabitated relationships which have sparked discussions about modern dating and partnership norms.
  • Reality TV increasingly features cohabitation situations, highlighting both the joys and struggles of living together.

Origin of 'cohabited'

The term 'cohabited' comes from the Latin word 'cohabitare', which means 'to dwell together'. It is formed by the prefix 'co-' meaning 'together', and 'habitare', a verb that translates as 'to live or dwell'. The word made its way into Middle English and has been used to specifically describe individuals sharing a living space, particularly in a romantic context. Historically, cohabitation was often frowned upon in many cultures, considered socially unacceptable before marriage. However, over time, societal views have shifted, and cohabitation has become increasingly common and accepted in many parts of the world. Today, the term is frequently used in discussions of family, relationships, and social norms, reflecting changing attitudes towards partnership and commitment.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,148 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.