Menage Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/mɛˈnɑːʒ/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A domestic establishment or household, especially one that is run in an orderly and efficient manner.

Examples

• The new couple worked together to establish a smooth menage.
• After the divorce, she struggled to maintain a peaceful menage for her children.

Synonyms

• Household
• Home

Antonyms

• Chaos
• Disorder

Additional Information

A menage is often characterized by a sense of harmony and cooperation among its members. It can be a challenging task to maintain a well-run menage, especially in households with multiple people and conflicting opinions.

In modern times, the concept of menage has evolved to encompass not only the physical household but also the emotional and psychological well-being of its inhabitants. A successful menage requires effective communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to compromise.

Etymology

The word “menage” comes from the French language, derived from the Old French “mesnage,” meaning “household” or “dwelling.” It has been used in English since the 15th century to describe a domestic establishment or household.

Usage Notes

The term “menage” is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe a household or domestic situation. It can also be used in more casual settings to refer to the day-to-day management of a household.

Cultural References

The concept of menage has been explored in various forms of literature and art, including novels, plays, and films. Notable examples include works by authors such as Jane Austen and Virginia Woolf, who often portrayed the complexities and nuances of household management in their writing.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “Maintain a menage”: to keep a household running smoothly
• “Run a menage”: to manage a household

Related Words or Phrases

• Housekeeping
• Domesticity

Collocations

• Run a menage
• Maintain a menage
• Manage a menage

Frequency of Use

The word “menage” is not commonly used in informal conversations, but it can be found in formal writing, literature, and academic contexts.

Common Misspellings

• Meniage
• Menaja
• Menaj