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Spouse Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘ซ
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spouse

[spaสŠs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

family

A spouse is a partner in a marriage, civil union, or common-law marriage. They are considered to be each other's significant other.

Synonyms

husband, mate, partner, wife.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
spouse

Use 'spouse' when you want to refer to someone's husband or wife in a formal or neutral way, without specifying gender.

  • Please bring your spouse to the company dinner.
  • Spouses are also invited to the event.
partner

Use 'partner' when you want to refer to someone's significant other in a way that is gender-neutral and can apply to both married and unmarried relationships.

  • She brought her partner to the wedding.
  • His partner is very supportive of his career.
husband

Use 'husband' to specifically refer to a married man in a relationship.

  • She introduced her husband at the party.
  • Her husband works as a lawyer.
wife

Use 'wife' to specifically refer to a married woman in a relationship.

  • His wife is a talented artist.
  • She has been a wonderful wife for twenty years.
mate

Use 'mate' to refer to a partner in a casual or informal way, more commonly used in British English. It can also imply a close friend and is less formal than 'spouse' or 'partner'.

  • We'll be meeting my mate at the pub later.
  • His mate helped him through a tough time.

Examples of usage

  • My spouse and I have been married for ten years.
  • She is my spouse, my partner in life.
  • We are legally recognized as spouses.
  • Our spouses support us in everything we do.
  • The spouses share a strong bond.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, a wedding ceremony marks the beginning of the relationship between spouses, symbolizing their commitment.
  • Different cultures have unique traditions that dictate how spouses are chosen, ranging from arranged marriages to love marriages.

Legal Aspects

  • In legal terms, a spouse has specific rights and responsibilities, such as inheritance and decision-making in medical situations.
  • Many countries have laws that recognize both opposite-sex and same-sex marriages, granting spouses equal legal status.

Psychology

  • Research shows that having a supportive spouse can lead to better mental health and lower stress levels.
  • Couples therapy often helps spouses improve their communication and resolve conflicts, enhancing their bond.

Literature and Media

  • Spouses often play central roles in stories, symbolizing love, partnership, and challenges faced in relationships.
  • Famous literature and films frequently explore the dynamics between spouses, showcasing both the joys and struggles of married life.

Origin of 'spouse'

Main points about word origin

  • The word has roots in the Old French 'espousรฉ', meaning 'to betroth' or 'to marry'.
  • It originated from the Latin word 'sponsus', which also means 'to promise'. This highlights the commitment aspect of marriage.

The word 'spouse' originated from the Old French word 'espus', which meant 'married'. It entered the English language in the 13th century. The term has been used to refer to a married person's partner for centuries, reflecting the cultural and legal significance of marriage in society.

See also: spousal.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,630, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.