Definition

A woman whose husband has died and who has not married again.

Example

After her husband passed away, she became a widow and had to adjust to her new life.

Conversation

Did you hear about Sarah? She's now a widow after her husband passed away.

That's so sad, I can't believe it.

Yeah, she was telling me how hard it is for her now.

I can only imagine. We should check in on her soon.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To cause someone to lose their spouse, making them a widow or widower.

Example

The war widowed many young women in the village.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear about the accident on the highway?

Yeah, it was terrible; it widowed someone too young to lose a partner.

That's so sad; it's hard to imagine being in that situation.

Root Explanation

**Widow** → The word 'widow' originates from Old English 'widuwe', which is derived from Proto-Germanic '*widuwō' (meaning a woman whose husband has died). The term specifically refers to a woman who has lost her spouse and has not remarried.

Memory Tip

Think of a woman who has lost her husband — that's what 'widow' means, coming from the Old English word for a woman in that situation.

Visually Confused Words