spousal
UK: ˈspaʊz(ə)l | US: ˈspaʊz(ə)l
adj. relating to marriage or a spouse
n. (archaic) marriage; the state of being married
spousal = spous<spouse, partner> + al<relating to>
- spous (from Old French spous, Latin sponsus "betrothed, promised")
Retains the core meaning of a marital partner. - al (Latin-derived suffix forming adjectives)
Indicates relation or pertaining to (e.g., personal, seasonal).
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin sponsus (betrothed man) and sponsa (betrothed woman), reflecting the ceremonial promise central to marriage. Over time, spous evolved in Old French to denote a married partner, while the suffix -al generalized the term to describe marital attributes. The dual noun/adjective usage in English emerged in the 14th century, though the noun form is now rare.
The ceremony included traditional spousal vows.
Medieval records often mention spousal agreements.
Spousal support is a legal obligation in some divorces.
The poem celebrates spousal love and fidelity.
(Archaic) "Their spousal was celebrated with great joy."