spouse
UK: spaʊz | US: spaʊs
n. a husband or wife, considered in relation to their partner.
spouse = spous<pledge> + e<silent>
- spous (from Latin sponsus, meaning "pledge" or "betrothed")
- e (silent letter, no semantic function; reflects historical spelling)
Etymology Origin:
The word "spouse" traces back to Latin sponsus (male) and sponsa (female), both derived from spondere ("to pledge"). In ancient Roman weddings, the couple exchanged vows as a formal pledge (sponsio), which evolved into Old French espous and later Middle English spouse. The silent "e" reflects its French influence. The core idea of a "pledged partner" persists in its modern meaning.
She introduced her spouse at the company dinner.
Legal rights for same-sex spouses vary by country.
He became her spouse after a decade of dating.
The certificate confirms their status as spouses.
Financial planning is easier when both spouses collaborate.