better half
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: - A person's spouse; one's husband or wife. This is a humorous or affectionate term used to refer to one's marriage partner.
Usage
This term is used as a singular noun, typically preceded by a possessive pronoun (my, your, his, her, etc.). It is informal and conveys a tone of endearment, respect, or light-heartedness when talking about one's spouse.
Examples
- "I'll need to check with my better half before I can commit to the trip."
- "He's out for dinner with his better half tonight."
- "Everyone, please meet my better half, Sarah."
Advanced Usage
- The phrase humorously implies that one's spouse is the more sensible or superior partner in the relationship.
- It is often used in casual conversation rather than in formal legal or official contexts.
Variants and Related Words
- Spouse (n): A person's husband or wife. This is the standard, neutral term.
- Partner (n): A broader term that can refer to a spouse or a person one shares a long-term romantic relationship with.
Synonyms
- Spouse
- Husband
- Wife
- Partner
- Significant other
Related Idioms
- "The ball and chain": A slang idiom, often used jokingly by some to refer to a wife, implying marriage restricts freedom. (Note: This can be considered offensive and is much less affectionate than "better half.")
Noun
- a person's partner in marriage