Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Widow Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

👵
Add to dictionary

widow

[ˈwɪdəʊ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

bereavement

A woman who has lost her spouse by death and has not remarried.

Synonyms

bereaved woman, relict.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
widow

As mentioned before, this word is the most commonly used term for a woman whose husband has passed away. Its usage is widespread in various contexts and is the default choice in contemporary language.

  • She has been a widow for several years now.
  • Widows and widowers often face similar challenges.
bereaved woman

This term is more formal and emphasizes the emotional impact of losing a loved one. It is often used in empathetic or supportive contexts, especially when discussing feelings and support.

  • The bereaved woman struggled to cope with her loss.
  • Counselors offer their services to help bereaved women.
relict

Relict is an old-fashioned and somewhat archaic term for a widow. It may be used in historical or legal contexts, but it is rarely used in everyday language today.

  • In the old documents, she was referred to as the relict of John Smith.
  • The term 'relict' is not commonly used in modern speech.

Examples of usage

  • She has been a widow for five years.
  • After her husband's death, she became a widow.
  • The widow wore black in mourning for her late husband.
Context #2 | Noun

legal

A woman who has outlived her husband and has inherited his possessions.

Synonyms

beneficiary, heiress.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
widow

Used to describe a woman whose spouse has died. Typically, it is mentioned in contexts of personal loss, family situations, or in legal matters involving the deceased spouse's estate.

  • She became a widow after her husband passed away last year.
  • The lawyer is meeting with the widow to discuss her late husband's will.
heiress

Describes a female who is set to inherit a large sum of money or property, especially from a wealthy relative. Often used in contexts involving wealth, social status, or media coverage.

  • The young heiress is set to inherit billions from her family's estate.
  • The magazine featured a story about the lavish lifestyle of the heiress.
beneficiary

Refers to someone who receives money or other benefits from a will, trust, insurance policy, or other financial arrangement. Can be used in legal, financial, or insurance contexts.

  • He named his children as the beneficiaries of his life insurance policy.
  • The beneficiaries of the trust will receive their inheritance when they turn 18.

Examples of usage

  • The widow inherited the estate after her husband passed away.
  • She was entitled to her late husband's pension as his widow.
Context #3 | Verb

informal

To cause to become a widow or widower; to bereave of a spouse.

Synonyms

bereave, deprive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
widow

This word is used to describe a woman whose spouse has died. It is a noun and often used in a formal or respectful context.

  • She has been a widow for ten years.
  • The widow wore black at the funeral.
bereave

This verb means to be deprived of a loved one through a profound absence, especially due to the loved one's death. It is often used in a sensitive context talking about loss and grief.

  • She was bereaved of her husband in the war.
  • The community supports bereaved families.
deprive

This verb signifies taking something important away from someone, often causing hardship. It can have a negative connotation and isn't limited to the loss of a person.

  • The disease deprived him of his ability to walk.
  • Children need love and attention; neglect can deprive them of a happy childhood.

Examples of usage

  • The war widow was left to raise her children alone.
  • The tragic accident widow him at a young age.

Translations

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

Origin of 'widow'

The word 'widow' originated from the Old English word 'widwe', which in turn derived from the Proto-Germanic word 'widuwō'. The concept of widowhood has been present in various cultures throughout history, often carrying specific rights and restrictions for women who have lost their husbands. In many societies, widows faced challenges such as social isolation, economic hardship, and limited legal rights. However, over time, efforts have been made to address the needs and rights of widows, leading to improvements in their status and support systems.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,683, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.