spouse
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /spaʊs/
KK: /spaʊs/
noun
Definition
A person who is married to another person, either a husband or a wife.
Example
She introduced her spouse to her friends at the party.
Conversation
How was your weekend with your spouse?
It was great! We went hiking together.
That sounds fun! Do you guys often go on adventures like that?
Yes, we love exploring new places whenever we can.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
partner
mate
consort
Antonyms
ex-spouse
stranger
enemy
transitive verb
Definition
A person who is married to another person; a husband or wife.
Example
She is my spouse, and we have been married for five years.
Tense Forms
Past: spoused
Past Participle: spoused
Conversation
Did you hear that Mark decided to spouse Sarah last weekend?
Wow, I didn't see that coming!
Yeah, they’ve been together for years, so it makes sense.
Root Explanation
Spouse → The word 'spouse' originates from Old French 'espouse' (meaning a person married), which in turn comes from Latin 'sponsa' (meaning betrothed or promised). A spouse refers to a person who is married or in a committed relationship.
Memory Tip
Think of the Old French word 'espouse' meaning a married person — this helps you remember that a spouse is someone you are married to.
Visually Confused Words
espouse
souse
espouser
bespouse
sprose
souser
smouse
scouse