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Spouse: meaning, definitions and examples

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spouse

 

[spaʊs ]

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word has roots in the Old French 'espousé', 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "spouse" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cônjuge

🇮🇳 जीवनसाथी

🇩🇪 Ehepartner

🇮🇩 pasangan

🇺🇦 чоловік

🇵🇱 małżonek

🇯🇵 配偶者 (はいぐうしゃ)

🇫🇷 conjoint

🇪🇸 esposo

🇹🇷 eş

🇰🇷 배우자 (bae-uja)

🇸🇦 زوج

🇨🇿 manžel

🇸🇰 manžel

🇨🇳 配偶 (pèi'ǒu)

🇸🇮 zakonec

🇮🇸 maki

🇰🇿 жұбай

🇬🇪 მეუღლე

🇦🇿 həyat yoldaşı

🇲🇽 esposo

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.