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Couple Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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couple

[หˆkสŒpl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

two people

A couple refers to two people who are in a romantic or intimate relationship with each other. It can also be used more broadly to refer to any two people who are closely associated or connected with each other.

Synonyms

duo, pair, partners.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
couple

Refers to two people who are in a romantic relationship. It can also be used informally to mean a few of something, but the romantic context is most common.

  • The couple celebrated their anniversary.
  • I have a couple of questions.
pair

Applies to any set of two things that are used together, not necessarily people. When referring to people, it doesn't imply a specific relationship other than being together.

  • I bought a new pair of shoes.
  • They make a good pair in the dance competition.
duo

Used for two people who work or perform together, such as musicians or partners in some activity. It emphasizes their collaboration or partnership without romantic implications.

  • The comedy duo performed a hilarious skit.
  • They were known as a dynamic duo in the business world.
partners

Often used in a business or professional context to describe people who work together. It can also refer to romantic partners, but in a more formal or serious tone.

  • They are business partners in a new startup.
  • She introduced her partner at the party.

Examples of usage

  • They make a lovely couple.
  • The couple went on a vacation together.
  • We are meeting a couple for dinner tonight.
Context #2 | Noun

two items

In a more general sense, a couple can also refer to two items or things that are similar, related, or used together.

Synonyms

duo, pair, set.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
couple

Used to describe two people romantically involved or two things that go together.

  • They make a lovely couple
  • Can you give me a couple of minutes?
pair

Used to refer to two identical or similar things or people; often interchangeable with 'couple' for romantic relationships.

  • I bought a new pair of shoes
  • The pair danced beautifully together
duo

Often refers to two people working together, especially in entertainment or performance.

  • The comedic duo had the audience in stitches
  • They debuted as a musical duo
set

Typically used to describe a collection of items that belong together, more than two or sometimes exactly two.

  • I have a set of three mugs
  • The chess set is missing a piece

Examples of usage

  • I need a couple of minutes to finish this task.
  • She bought a couple of new books.
Context #3 | Verb

to connect or unite

As a verb, to couple means to join or connect two things together, often in a close or intimate manner.

Synonyms

connect, link, unite.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
couple

Use 'couple' when referring to two people who are in a romantic relationship or implying a small number of items.

  • The young couple walked hand in hand through the park.
  • I just need a couple of minutes to finish this task.
connect

Use 'connect' when referring to establishing a relationship, communication, or physical link between things or people.

  • We need to connect the computer to the printer to print the document.
  • She felt an instant connection with her new friend.
link

Use 'link' when establishing a non-physical tie or association between ideas, events, objects or websites. Often used in technological and informational contexts.

  • Please click on the link to access the survey.
  • There is a strong link between smoking and lung cancer.
unite

Use 'unite' when bringing people, groups, or entities together for a common purpose or cause.

  • The leaders decided to unite their efforts to combat climate change.
  • The community was united in support of the local charity.

Examples of usage

  • The train cars are coupled together.
  • The ideas are coupled in a coherent argument.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Social Science

  • Research shows that couples can positively impact each otherโ€™s mental health.
  • Partnerships often evolve through stages, typically moving from dating to committed relationships.

Cultural Representation

  • In literature, couples often represent love and unity in stories, reflecting societal values.
  • Movies frequently explore the dynamics of couples, showcasing both romantic and challenging aspects of relationships.

Psychology

  • Psychological studies suggest that couples who communicate openly tend to have more satisfying relationships.
  • Couples therapy is a common method for helping partners resolve conflicts and improve their relationship.

Pop Culture

  • Popular songs are often inspired by relationships, celebrating or critiquing the experiences of couples.
  • Television shows frequently portray couples in various stages of relationships, offering humor or drama based on their interactions.

Origin of 'couple'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'copula', meaning 'to link or bind'.
  • In Middle English, it was used to describe pairs, particularly in marriage.

The word 'couple' originated from Old French 'cople' meaning 'pair, couple, two'. It has been used in English since the 13th century to refer to a pair of people or things. Over time, it has evolved to encompass various meanings related to two entities being connected or associated in some way.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,021, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.