spouse etymology

Etymology:

• Old French: espous, espuse
• Latin: sponsus, sponsa
• Proto-Indo-European: *spen- ("to offer, promise")

Meaning:

A person who is legally and socially recognized as the partner in a marriage.

Origin:

The word "spouse" originated in the Latin language, where "sponsus" referred to a promised or betrothed person, particularly a man who was engaged to be married. The feminine form, "sponsa," referred to a woman who was engaged to be married.

Over time, the meaning of "sponsus" and "sponsa" evolved to include not only those who were engaged but also those who were actually married. By the 14th century, the English word "spouse" had come into use to refer to both husbands and wives.

In modern usage, "spouse" is a gender-neutral term that can be used to refer to either a husband or a wife. It is a respectful and formal way to address or refer to someone's partner in marriage.

spouse relate terms

• sponsor

  Etymology The word sponsor comes from the Latin word spondere which means to promis

• spondee

  Etymology Ancient Greek σπονδεῖος spondeios meaning spondee Meaning

• spouse

  Etymology Old French espous espuse Latin sponsus sponsa Proto Indo European spen

• correspond

  Etymology Origin Latin correspondēre Root com with together respondēre to

• respond

  Etymology From Old French respondre from Latin respondere from re back sp

• spousage

  Etymology The word spousage comes from the Old French word espousage which is derive

• spouse

  Etymology Old French espous espuse Latin sponsus sponsa Proto Indo European spen

• spouseless

  Etymology The word spouseless is derived from two Old English words spūsa noun

• spouse

  Etymology Old French espous espuse Latin sponsus sponsa Proto Indo European spen

• partner

  Etymology The word partner is derived from the Middle French word partenaire which i

• conjugal

  Etymology Latin conjugalis of or pertaining to marriage Proto Indo European yunk

• espouse

  Etymology Old French espouser to marry Late Latin sponsare to engage or promise

• disloyal

  Etymology The word disloyal derives from the Old French desleal meaning unfaithful

• Gaia

  Etymology Greek Γαῖα Gaîa Meaning Mother Earth the personification of the

• connivence

  Etymology From Middle English conivence from Old French connivence from Latin conniven

• gather

  Etymology The word etymology comes from the Greek words etymon meaning true meaning

• helpmeet

  Etymology Help from Old English helpan meaning to aid assist or support Meet

• newlywed

  Etymology The word newlywed is a compound of the words new and wed meaning recen

• wife

  Etymology Old English wīf meaning woman as opposed to husband meaning man