Dictionary monolingual
English
Wife
waɪf
Extremely common
500 - 600
500 - 600
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Wife -
A married woman considered in relation to her spouse
Example: She is John's wife.
Usage: formalContext: legal documents, official introductions
Note: This is the most common meaning of 'wife', referring to a woman who is married to a man.
A woman considered in relation to her partner in a marriage
Example: She has been a loving wife and mother.
Usage: formalContext: speeches, formal occasions
Note: This meaning emphasizes the role of a woman within the context of marriage and family.
A female partner in a marriage or romantic relationship
Example: They have been husband and wife for over 20 years.
Usage: informalContext: casual conversations, personal stories
Note: In informal contexts, 'wife' is used to refer to a female partner in a relationship without emphasizing the legal aspect of marriage.
Wife's synonyms
spouse
A spouse refers to a partner in a marriage or committed relationship, regardless of gender.
Example: She is my spouse, and we have been married for 10 years.
Note: The term 'spouse' is gender-neutral and can refer to either a husband or a wife.
partner
Partner is a gender-neutral term that can refer to a person in a romantic or committed relationship.
Example: My partner and I are planning to start a family soon.
Note: While 'partner' can refer to a spouse, it can also encompass relationships that may not be legally recognized as marriage.
life partner
A life partner is someone with whom you share a deep and lasting connection, often beyond just marriage.
Example: She is not just my wife; she is my life partner in every sense of the word.
Note: This term implies a strong emotional and spiritual bond beyond the legal or social aspects of marriage.
Wife expressions, common phrases
better half
This phrase is used to affectionately refer to one's spouse, usually highlighting their positive qualities and the important role they play in one's life.
Example: My better half is an amazing cook.
Note: The term 'better half' is a figurative and endearing way to refer to a spouse, emphasizing their value beyond just the literal term 'wife'.
wife and soulmate
This phrase implies a deep emotional connection and compatibility between partners, suggesting that they are meant for each other.
Example: She's not just my wife; she's my soulmate.
Note: While 'wife' denotes the marital relationship, 'soulmate' adds a layer of spiritual or emotional connection beyond just the role of a spouse.
ball and chain
This is a humorous and somewhat derogatory term used to refer to a spouse, often implying that they restrict one's freedom or are a burden.
Example: Some people jokingly refer to their spouse as the 'ball and chain'.
Note: Unlike the term 'wife', 'ball and chain' carries a negative connotation, suggesting a feeling of being constrained or held back.
missus
This informal term is a colloquial way of referring to one's wife, commonly used in British English.
Example: I need to check with the missus before making any plans.
Note: While 'wife' is a neutral term, 'missus' is more casual and may imply a sense of familiarity or informality.
old lady
This slang term is used informally to refer to one's wife, often in a joking or casual manner.
Example: I'm going out with the old lady tonight.
Note: Unlike 'wife', 'old lady' is a more colloquial and potentially disrespectful term, so it should be used with caution.
wifey
'Wifey' is a slang term used to affectionately refer to one's wife or female partner, often in a playful or endearing way.
Example: My wifey and I are planning a weekend getaway.
Note: While 'wife' is a formal term, 'wifey' is more informal and may convey a sense of closeness or intimacy.
the missus
This term, especially common in British English, is used informally to refer to one's wife.
Example: I have to ask the missus if we can go out tonight.
Note: 'The missus' is a more casual and colloquial way of referring to one's wife, often used in a light-hearted or humorous context.
Wife everyday (slang) expressions
the old ball and chain
This slang term humorously refers to someone's wife as a restrictive or controlling influence.
Example: I can't go out tonight, the old ball and chain wants me home early.
Note: The slang term 'the old ball and chain' carries a negative connotation, poking fun at the idea of marriage being a burden.
wifey-poo
A playful and endearing term used to refer to one's wife in a sweet or affectionate manner.
Example: Hey, wifey-poo, have you seen my keys?
Note: The term 'wifey-poo' is more lighthearted and affectionate compared to some other slang terms, showing a close and loving relationship.
the little woman
This slang term is often used in a slightly condescending or disparaging way to refer to one's wife.
Example: I have to check with the little woman before I can commit.
Note: The term 'the little woman' can come across as belittling or dismissive, highlighting a power dynamic within the relationship.
Wife - Examples
My wife is a doctor.
He has been married to his wife for 20 years.
She became his wife last year.
Wife grammar
Wife - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: wife
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): wives
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): wife
Syllables, Separation and Stress
wife Contains 1 syllables: wife
Phonetic transcription: ˈwīf
wife , ˈwīf (The red syllable is stressed)
Wife - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
wife: 500 - 600 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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