Wifes Meaning and Definition
Wifes
Pronunciation
/ˈwaɪfɪz/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A committed or married woman.
Examples
- She is my wife.
- He loves his wife dearly.
Synonyms
- Spouse
- Partner
Antonyms
- Bachelor
- Spinster
Additional Information
A wife is typically considered the female counterpart and partner of a husband. In many cultures, marriage is seen as a long-term commitment between two people, involving emotional and practical support. Wives often play a significant role in supporting their families, both financially and emotionally, and may also prioritize domestic and caregiving responsibilities. While gender roles and expectations can vary significantly across cultures, the concept of a wife remains a cornerstone of many societal structures.
Etymology
The word “wife” derives from the Old English term “wīf,” which comes from the Proto-Germanic word “*wībaz,” meaning “woman” or “wife.” This Proto-Germanic word is believed to have originated from the Proto-Indo-European root “*weye,” which carried the meaning “woman” or “female.”
Usage Notes
In general, the term “wife” is used to refer to a woman who is married or in a committed partnership with a man. However, it is important to respect and acknowledge the diversity of relationships and family structures in modern society, and to use language that is inclusive and respectful of all individuals. It is also worth noting that the term “wife” is often used as an adjective to describe something as related to marriage or a wife, such as a wife’s ring or a wife’s job.
Cultural References
The concept of a wife has been a central theme in many cultural traditions, from ancient Egyptian and Greek mythologies to contemporary literature and film. Examples include the biblical story of Adam and Eve, the Russian folk tale “The Two Princesses of Kentucky,” and the TV show “Desperate Housewives.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Till death do us part” (a phrase often included in wedding vows)
- “Happy wife, happy life” (a phrase suggesting that a happy marriage is key to overall happiness)
Related Words or Phrases
- Spouse
- Partner
- Marriage
- Family
Collocations
- ‘wife and husband’
- ‘wife and child’
Frequency of Use
The word “wife” is commonly used in everyday language, particularly in conversations about relationships and family life. According to the Oxford English Corpus, a database of over 2 billion words, the term “wife” appears approximately 30,000 times per million words.
Common Misspellings
- Wifee
- Weife