Husband Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿฆฑ
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husband

[หˆhสŒzbษ™nd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in a family

A husband is a married man who is in a legally recognized relationship with a woman.

Synonyms

mate, partner, spouse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
husband

Used to refer to a married man in a formal or informal context.

  • My husband and I are going on vacation next week.
  • She bought a gift for her husbandโ€™s birthday.
spouse

A formal term used to refer to one's marriage partner. Gender-neutral and appropriate for legal or formal documents.

  • Please list your spouseโ€™s details for the insurance policy.
  • Attendance is allowed for employees and spouses only.
partner

Neutral and inclusive term used to refer to someone in a long-term relationship, regardless of marital status or gender. Often used in both professional and personal contexts.

  • I would like you to meet my partner at the company event.
  • Her partner and she have been together for five years.
mate

Casual and informal term primarily used in British English to refer to a friend or companion. It is not typically used to refer to a husband in formal contexts.

  • Come on, mate, let's grab a drink.
  • He is my best mate from university.

Examples of usage

  • She has been married to her husband for over 20 years.
  • He is a loving and caring husband to his wife.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

Used humorously to refer to a man's skill or ability in a particular activity.

Synonyms

expert, master, professional.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
husband

Used to refer to a married man in a relationship, usually in the context of family, marriage, or personal life.

  • Her husband is very supportive of her career.
  • They are celebrating their husband's promotion.
expert

Used to describe someone who has a lot of knowledge or skill in a particular area. This word is often used in professional or technical settings.

  • She consulted an expert on climate change.
  • The expert provided valuable insights during the conference.
professional

Used to describe someone who is skilled and qualified in a particular job or field, often contrasted with an amateur. Typically applied in work or career settings.

  • She is a professional athlete.
  • The company only hires professionals to ensure high-quality work.
master

Used to describe someone who has complete control or power over something or someone, or someone who is exceptionally skilled at a particular task. Can have negative connotations if used to describe control over people.

  • He is a master of chess strategies.
  • In historical contexts, a master might have had servants.

Examples of usage

  • He is quite the handyman around the house, a real husband when it comes to fixing things.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, a husband is typically viewed as a protector and provider, reflecting traditional gender roles.
  • Modern views of husband roles have evolved, leading to more equal partnerships in household responsibilities.
  • In some societies, the concept of a husband encompasses rights, responsibilities, and expectations that vary significantly.

Psychology

  • Research shows that supportive husbands can significantly improve their wives' mental health and overall well-being.
  • The role of a husband can contribute to family dynamics, affecting childrenโ€™s views on relationships and gender roles.
  • Positive marital relationships have been linked to increased happiness and lower stress levels in both partners.

Literature

  • Husbands in literature often symbolize stability or the struggle between personal desires and familial duty.
  • Famous literary works explore the complexities of marital relationships, offering insights into the masculine identity.
  • In classic stories, husbands are frequently portrayed as heroes, villains, or comic relief, showcasing diverse character arcs.

Pop Culture

  • In sitcoms and movies, the stereotypical 'husband' remains a common trope, often providing humor or conflict in storytelling.
  • Reality shows and social media have transformed perceptions, showcasing husbands as nurturing figures involved in parenting.
  • Celebrity relationships often spotlight how public figures navigate the expectations and challenges of being a husband.

Origin of 'husband'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Husband' comes from Old Norse 'husbonda', which means 'master of the house'.
  • The term was historically associated with landownership and controlling a household.
  • In earlier times, this term also implied the role of providing and protecting within the family.

The word 'husband' originated from the Old English word 'hลซsbลnda', which meant 'male head of a household'. Over time, its meaning evolved to refer specifically to a married man. The concept of a husband as a partner in a marital relationship has further developed through history, with changing societal norms and legal frameworks.


See also: husbandry.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,071, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.