couple etymology

Etymology (Origin):

The word "couple" comes from the Old Norman French word "couple," which in turn is derived from the Latin word "copula," meaning "band" or "tie."

Meaning:

  • As a noun:
    • A pair of people or things that are closely associated or connected.
    • A married or common-law couple.
    • A pair of items that are used or sold together.
  • As a verb:
    • To join or link together as a pair.
    • To mate or engage in sexual intercourse.

Historical Usage:

The term "couple" was first used in the 12th century to refer to a physical or legal tie between two people or things. In the 16th century, it came to be used specifically to refer to a married or common-law couple. By the 18th century, it was also being used to describe a pair of items that were sold or used together.

Cultural Significance:

The concept of a couple is central to many cultures, representing the basic unit of family and society. In Western culture, the traditional view of a couple is as a heterosexual, monogamous partnership, but this definition has become more fluid in recent times.

In the 20th and 21st centuries, the LGBTQ+ community has challenged the traditional definition of a couple, advocating for the recognition of same-sex partnerships. As a result, many countries have legalized same-sex marriage and unions, recognizing couples regardless of their sexual orientation.

couple relate terms

  • couplet

    Etymology Couplet originates from the Old French word couplet which means a joining

  • couple

    Etymology Origin The word couple comes from the Old Norman French word couple whi

  • coupling

    Etymology The word coupling is derived from the Middle English term cuplen which it

  • couple

    Etymology Origin The word couple comes from the Old Norman French word couple whi

  • duet

    Etymology The word duet comes from the French word duet which in turn is derived fr

  • match

    Etymology Meaning Origin Apostle Messenger Greek apostolos meaning

  • pair

    Etymology Pair comes from the Old French word paire which in turn originated from th

  • bracket

    Etymology The word bracket comes from the Middle English word braket which in turn i

  • compound

    Etymology Compound a word formed from two or more root words or morphemes Meaning

  • genial

    Etymology The word genial originates from the Latin word genialis derived from the

  • Rebecca

    Etymology Hebrew רִבְקָה Rivqah Meaning To bind or to connect Entr

  • dire

    Dire Etymology Middle English from Old French dire from the Latin dicere to say to

  • ride

    Etymology The word ride comes from the Old English word rīdan which means to go on

  • twin

    Meaning One of two similar or identical things A person or thing that resembles another