Significant other Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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significant other
[sษชษกหnษชfษชkษnt หสรฐษr ]
Definition
relationship
A person with whom someone has an established romantic or sexual relationship.
Synonyms
boyfriend, girlfriend, partner, spouse.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| significant other |
This term is used to describe a person with whom someone has a long-term romantic relationship, but it is less specific about the nature of the relationship. It can be used in formal, casual, or professional settings.
|
| partner |
This term is gender-neutral and can be used to describe a person with whom someone has a romantic relationship, whether dating or married. It is suitable for formal, casual, and professional settings.
|
| spouse |
Used to describe a person who is married to someone. It is more formal and typically used in legal, professional, or formal contexts. It specifically refers to someone who is married.
|
| boyfriend |
A term used to describe a male romantic partner, typically in a dating or less formal relationship. It is commonly used in casual and social conversations.
|
| girlfriend |
A term used to describe a female romantic partner, typically in a dating or less formal relationship. It is commonly used in casual and social conversations.
|
Examples of usage
- I'm going on vacation with my significant other next week.
- She introduced me to her significant other at the party.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Impact
- In many cultures, the idea of a significant other emphasizes the importance of emotional connection over just legal or social labels.
- Television and movies frequently showcase the significance of such relationships, often shaping public perception of love and partnership.
Psychology
- Having a significant other is linked to improved mental health and overall happiness, as emotional support fosters well-being.
- Therapists often explore relationships with significant others to understand the dynamics of personal support systems.
Legal Perspective
- In many jurisdictions, the term has influenced laws surrounding domestic partnerships and same-sex marriage rights.
- Having a significant other can affect legal decisions concerning healthcare, inheritance, and shared property.
Linguistic Variations
- Different languages have unique phrases for a significant other; for example, 'pareja' in Spanish refers to a couple or partner.
- The concept is widely recognized across cultures, even if the terminology varies, indicating a universal understanding of close relationships.
Origin of 'significant other'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'significant other' emerged in the 1970s, reflecting changing social norms around relationships.
- Originally, it was used in psychology to describe individuals who have a major impact on another's emotional well-being.
The term 'significant other' originated in the mid-20th century and gained popularity in the context of relationships and partnerships. It is a gender-neutral way to refer to a person's romantic partner, emphasizing the importance and value of the relationship. The term reflects a shift towards inclusivity and openness in discussing different types of relationships.