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Widower Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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widower

[ˈwÉĒd.oʊ.ər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

man, deceased wife

A widower is a man whose wife has died and who has not remarried. This term is specific to men; the female equivalent is widow. The state of being a widower may come with emotional and social challenges, such as dealing with grief and managing family dynamics without one's spouse. Widowers may have children to care for, which can complicate their situation further. The term has been in use for centuries and carries cultural significance in various societies.

Synonyms

bereaved husband, grieving spouse.

Examples of usage

  • The widower struggled to cope with his loss.
  • As a widower, he found it hard to move on.
  • Many widowers join support groups to share their experiences.
  • The widower dedicated his life to raising his children after her passing.

Translations

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

Origin of 'widower'

The word 'widower' originates from the Old English 'widuwe' and its gendered variation 'widower', which progressively entered the modern lexicon. In Middle English, 'widower' was used to denote a man whose wife had died, arising from the need to differentiate between individuals based on their marital status following the death of a partner. Historically, the term is seen alongside societal norms where the roles of men and women were distinctly separated, thereby necessitating unique terms for each gender's experience of loss. With the development of languages and cultures, 'widower' has maintained its specific connotation primarily tied to grief and loss in the context of married life. Today, the term is widely recognized in legal, social, and cultural discussions concerning marital status and bereavement.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,026, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.