Wife: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฉโ๐ฆฐ
wife
[waษชf ]
Definitions
in a family
A woman who is married to a man.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| wife |
Typically used in formal and informal settings to refer to a married woman in relation to her husband or wife.
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| spouse |
Used in formal and legal contexts to refer to someone's husband or wife.
|
| partner |
Used in both formal and informal contexts to refer to one's significant other, regardless of marital status or gender. It is a gender-neutral term.
|
| better half |
Often used in a casual, sometimes affectionate or humorous way to refer to one's spouse or significant other. It implies that the person is the 'better' part of the partnership.
|
Examples of usage
- She is a loving wife and a caring mother.
- He promised to be a faithful husband to his wife.
legal
A woman in relation to her husband.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| wife |
As above, this is a standard term used in everyday conversation to refer to a woman in a marital relationship.
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| spouse |
This is a formal and legal term used when discussing marital status or legal documents.
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| partner |
This term is more modern and neutral, suitable for different types of relationships, including both married and unmarried, and same-sex partnerships.
|
| better half |
This is a more affectionate and informal term often used to express endearment toward one's wife or husband.
|
Examples of usage
- The defendant's wife testified in court.
- The wife of the deceased inherited his estate.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'wife' comes from the Old English term 'wฤซf', meaning woman or female.
- Historically, the term was used more broadly to refer to any woman, regardless of marital status.
- In many languages, the word for wife shares roots with the term for 'woman' or 'female', showing a common understanding.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, the role of a wife carries significant responsibilities, often tied to caring for the family and home.
- Literature has frequently portrayed wives as central characters, reflecting societal views on marriage through the ages.
- In some cultures, the concept of marriage has evolved to recognize diverse roles beyond traditional norms, reshaping the perception of what it means to be a wife.
Psychology
- Research shows that harmonious marriages can lead to better mental health and increased happiness for both partners.
- The role of a wife can significantly impact relational dynamics, influencing communication and emotional support.
- Societal expectations of a wife's behavior can affect self-esteem and social identity, leading to varied experiences in marriage.
Historical Context
- In many ancient societies, a wife's status was often defined by her husbandโs rank and possessions.
- Marriages throughout history were often arranged to strengthen alliances between families rather than based on love or personal choice.
- The evolution of womenโs rights has changed the traditional role of a wife, allowing for greater independence and partnership in modern marriages.
Pop Culture
- From classic literature to contemporary TV shows, the role of a wife has been explored in many narratives, often highlighting varying expectations.
- Some famous songs celebrate the role of a wife, emphasizing love, commitment, and companionship.
- Popular media often depict the wife as a central figure, battling stereotypes and showcasing both traditional and modern representations.
Translations
Translations of the word "wife" in other languages:
๐ต๐น esposa
๐ฎ๐ณ เคชเคคเฅเคจเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช Ehefrau
๐ฎ๐ฉ istri
๐บ๐ฆ ะดััะถะธะฝะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ ลผona
๐ฏ๐ต ๅฆป
๐ซ๐ท femme
๐ช๐ธ esposa
๐น๐ท eล
๐ฐ๐ท ์๋ด
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฒูุฌุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ manลพelka
๐ธ๐ฐ manลพelka
๐จ๐ณ ๅฆปๅญ
๐ธ๐ฎ ลพena
๐ฎ๐ธ eiginkona
๐ฐ๐ฟ ำะนะตะป
๐ฌ๐ช แชแแแ (tsoli)
๐ฆ๐ฟ arvad
๐ฒ๐ฝ esposa