Wife

Definition

Wife refers to a married woman, especially in relation to her spouse. It signifies the legal or social status of a woman in a marital relationship.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /waɪf/
• Respelling: WYF

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /waɪf/
• Respelling: WYF

Etymology

The word "wife" originates from Old English "wīf," meaning "woman" or "female." It is related to Proto-Germanic "*wībam" and Proto-Indo-European "*gʷībh-," meaning "woman" or "wife." In Old English, it referred more broadly to women but evolved to its modern marital-specific usage during the Middle English period.

Derivatives

• Housewife (noun)
• Wifely (adjective)
• Ex-wife (noun)
• Wifedom (noun)
• Newlywed (noun, context-specific)

Synonyms

• Spouse
• Partner
• Consort

Antonyms

• Husband
• Bachelor (context-specific)
• Widow (context-specific)

Usage

The term "wife" is commonly used in social, legal, and familial contexts to describe a married woman. For example: "She introduced herself as his wife at the event." It can also appear in figurative language, e.g., "He treats his work like a wife, devoting all his time to it."

Related Terms

• Husband: A married man in relation to his spouse.
• Marriage: A legally or socially recognized union between spouses.
• Partner: A general term for a spouse or significant other.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A married woman in relation to her spouse: Refers to the status of a woman within a marriage.
  • Example: "His wife is a renowned artist."
• A woman in a legal or formal union: Used in legal or formal contexts to specify marital status.
  • Example: "The form required the applicant to state whether they had a wife."
• A symbolic or metaphorical partner: Used figuratively to describe a dedicated or close relationship.
  • Example: "The sea is the sailor’s wife, always by his side."