couple
UK: ˈkʌp(ə)l | US: ˈkʌp(ə)l
n. two people or things of the same kind considered together
n. a pair of partners in a romantic or sexual relationship
vt. to join or link (two things) together
couple = coup<bind> + le<diminutive suffix>
- coup (from Old French cople, Latin copula "a bond, link")
- le (diminutive or frequentative suffix in Old French)
Etymology Origin:
The word "couple" traces back to Latin copula, meaning "a bond" or "link," reflecting its core idea of connection. Through Old French cople, it entered Middle English with the sense of "a pair." The suffix -le subtly reinforces the idea of pairing or small-scale binding, evolving into modern meanings of romantic partnerships or general pairs.
The couple walked hand in hand along the beach.
She coupled the two wires to complete the circuit.
A couple of apples fell from the tree.
They’ve been a happy couple for ten years.
The train cars were coupled together before departure.