Concubine - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

historical

A woman who lives with a man but has a lower status than his wife or wives, especially in a polygamous society.

Synonyms

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
concubine	In historical or cultural texts referring to a woman who lived with a man but had lower status than his wife or wives. It is often used in ancient or medieval settings. The emperor had several concubines in his palace. She was known as the king's favorite concubine.
mistress	Commonly used to describe a woman who is in a long-term sexual relationship with a married man. The term carries a negative connotation. He has been seeing his mistress for over a year. She was devastated when she discovered her husband had a mistress.
paramour	A formal or literary term describing a lover, often used in the context of an illicit or secret relationship. It is less commonly used in everyday speech. The knight's devoted paramour waited faithfully for his return. Their love story was one of secret meetings and whispered promises, for he was her paramour.
courtesan	In historical contexts referring to a woman who was a higher-class prostitute or companion of noble or wealthy men, often well-educated and cultured. The courtesan was famous for her beauty and intelligence. He spent many evenings in the company of a renowned courtesan.

Examples of usage

She was considered a concubine rather than a wife.
In some cultures, concubines were common practice.
Concubines were often mistreated and had limited rights.
The role of a concubine varied depending on the society.
In ancient times, concubines were often seen as a symbol of status.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

In ancient societies, having a concubine was common and often seen as a status symbol, especially among rich men.
The term originates from the Latin word 'concubina', meaning 'to lie together', signifying a form of sexual relationship without marriage.

Cultural Practices

In many cultures, concubines had specific roles within the family structure, often bearing children to ensure the family line continued.
Some cultures practiced polyandry, where a woman could have multiple husbands, similar to how some men had concubines.

Literature

Concubines appear in many famous stories, such as in the Bible, where figures like King Solomon had multiple wives and concubines.
In Chinese literature, the role of concubines is often explored, revealing their complex status and emotional lives.

Modern Context

The term has evolved, and in modern contexts, it can carry negative connotations related to power dynamics and inequality.
Current laws in many countries recognize only one legal marriage, leading to discussions about concubinage and rights.

Psychology

Psychologists study the relationships involving concubines to understand emotional bonds and the dynamics in non-traditional relationships.
Social acceptance of such relationships can influence personal identity and societal norms around family structures.

Origin of 'concubine'

The term 'concubine' originated from the Latin word 'concubina', which means 'a woman who lives with a man without being his wife'. Concubinage has existed in various cultures throughout history, often as a practice of having secondary wives or partners in addition to the primary wife. In many societies, concubines held a lower status than wives and were often subject to mistreatment and limited rights. The practice of concubinage has been a topic of debate and controversy, reflecting the power dynamics and gender roles prevalent in different historical periods.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,323, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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23320 dozing
23321 gondola
23322 ague
23323 concubine
23324 dishonored
23325 unannounced
23326 scabbard
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Concubine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations