wives - Master This Word
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wives Word Meanings
- a married woman
- the spouse of a husband
- a female partner in a relationship
wives Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
wives Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/waɪf/
US
/waɪf/
wives Word Etymology
Root: 'wif' (Old English) + Historical: 'wif' → 'wīf' (Old Germanic) → 'wife' (Middle English) → 'wife' (Modern English). Memory Image: Picture a loving couple, hand in hand, where the woman is the wife's anchor, symbolizing support and partnership.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
First I pull the sleeve back and adjust the zipper, feeling the day begin as I move through chores with her in mind. I hold the door for her, push the cart, switch plans, and let the small routines build trust. The word 'wife' comes alive not as a rule but as the person I share meals, jokes, and quiet evenings with. When plans change, I turn toward her again, keep listening, and place my attention where we belong together.
Real Context
A wife is a married woman, the female partner in a marriage. The term can refer to any married woman, or to the wife of a specific person, as in 'the wife of the president.' It is used in everyday speech, formal writing, and legal contexts, often paired with 'husband' as the gender counterpart. In many cultures, the concept carries expectations about partnership, family life, and mutual support, though the specific roles can vary widely. Note that 'wife' is gender-specific and should not be used to refer to a long-term girlfriend or fiancée; for those relationships, terms like 'partner' or 'girlfriend' are appropriate. Also watch for compound terms like housewife, which can feel dated in some contexts.
Usage Reminders
- Know the gendered meaning of wife; use with possessives (my wife, your wife); avoid using wife for girlfriends or fiancées; distinguish wife from housewife and from a generic 'woman'; pair with husband when talking about couples; use respectful language in formal contexts.
Common Misconceptions
- Wife = every female; not true, it means a married woman.
- Wife = girlfriend or fiancée; incorrect in most cases.
- All women are wives; only married women can be wives.
- Housewife is the only meaning; it can sound dated or limiting.
- Wife is interchangeable with woman; gender and status differ.
Thinking Differences
English often uses gendered terms like wife vs husband; other languages may have forms that also reflect social roles or formality. Learners may confuse 'wife' with 'woman' or use 'wife' to refer to fiancées or girlfriends. Remember to distinguish marital status and to use appropriate tone in formal settings.
Learning Tips
- Practice common collocations: wife and husband, housewife.
- Remember possessives: my wife, your wife, his wife.
- Differentiate wife from woman in formal vs informal contexts.
- Learn regional terms for wife (spouse, wife) and equivalents in your language.
- Use authentic dialogue: introductions, family stories, and plans with a spouse.
- Be aware of outdated terms like 'housewife' and prefer neutral phrasing when appropriate.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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