Husband

Definition

Husband is a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a married man in relation to his spouse. As a verb (less commonly used), it means to manage resources carefully or frugally.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈhʌzbənd/
• Respelling: HUHZ-buhnd

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈhʌzbənd/
• Respelling: HUHZ-buhnd

Etymology

The word "husband" originates from the Old English "hūsbonda," derived from Old Norse "húsbóndi," meaning "master of a house." It is a compound of "hūs" (house) and "bóndi" (occupier or dweller). Its verb usage, meaning "to manage carefully," developed in the 15th century.

Derivatives

• Husbandry (noun)
• Husbanded (verb, past tense)
• Husbanding (verb, present participle)
• Husbandlike (adjective)
• Husbandman (noun, archaic)

Synonyms

• Spouse
• Partner
• Consort

Antonyms

• Wife
• Bachelor
• None

Usage

The noun "husband" is used in sentences like "Her husband is a teacher." The verb is less common but appears in sentences like "He carefully husbanded their resources during the crisis."

Related Terms

• Marriage: The legally recognized union of two people as partners.
• Wife: A married woman in relation to her spouse.
• Partner: A person who shares a committed relationship.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A married man in relation to his spouse: Refers to the role of a man in a marital relationship.
  • Example: "Her husband is very supportive of her career."
• A male partner in a marriage: Describes a man legally bound by marriage.
  • Example: "The husband and wife celebrated their anniversary."

Verb

• To manage resources carefully: Refers to the act of conserving or using resources sparingly.
  • Example: "The farmer husbanded his livestock through the harsh winter."