widowed
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈwɪdəʊd/
KK: /ˈwɪdoʊd/
adjective
Definition
Describing someone whose spouse has died.
Example
After her husband passed away, she became widowed and had to adjust to life alone.
Conversation
I heard that Sarah is now widowed after her husband passed away.
Yeah, it's really sad; she was so happy with him.
I can't imagine how hard that must be for her.
I know, we should reach out to support her during this tough time.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
bereaved
orphaned
single
Antonyms
married
coupled
attached
verb
Definition
To have lost a spouse due to death, making one a widow or widower.
Example
After her husband passed away, she found herself widowed and had to adjust to life alone.
Tense Forms
Past: widowed
Past Participle: widowed
Conversation
I heard Sarah just got widowed last week.
Oh no, that's so sad! I can't imagine what she's going through.
Yeah, it's really tough for her right now.
Root Explanation
Widowed → It originates from the Old English word 'widuwe' (meaning a woman whose husband has died) and the suffix '-ed' (indicating a state or condition). The word 'widowed' describes the state of having lost a spouse through death.
Memory Tip
Think of a woman who has lost her husband, which helps you remember that 'widowed' refers to someone in that state.
Visually Confused Words
unwidowed
dowed
unwindowed
willowed