companionate marriage

companionate marriage

A couple in a companionate marriage discusses their future plans over coffee.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A marriage based on companionship and mutual consent: "companionate marriage" refers to a form of marriage in which the partners agree to limit family size through planned childbirth and to allow divorce by mutual consent, emphasizing emotional and intellectual companionship over traditional legal or religious constraints.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • They entered into a companionate marriage, focusing on shared interests and equality rather than strict gender roles. (A marriage based on companionship and mutual agreement.)
    • The concept of companionate marriage gained popularity in the early 20th century as a progressive alternative to conventional unions. (A marriage with planned children and agreed-upon divorce terms.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to practice companionate marriage": to engage in a marriage defined by companionship and mutual consent.
    • They decided to practice companionate marriage, allowing each other personal freedom while maintaining a close bond. (They chose a marriage with flexible terms.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Companionate (adj): relating to or characteristic of companionship.

    • Their relationship was companionate rather than romantic. (Focused on friendship and partnership.)

  • Companionship (n): the feeling of fellowship or friendship.

    • They valued companionship over traditional marital expectations. (The quality of being together as friends.)
Synonyms
  • Companionate union: a marriage or partnership based on companionship.
  • Companion marriage: another term for companionate marriage, emphasizing equality and consent.
Related Idioms

  • Marriage of convenience: a marriage entered into for practical reasons rather than love, similar to companionate marriage in its focus on mutual benefit.

    • Their marriage was a marriage of convenience, not a romantic affair. (A practical arrangement.)

  • Companionable silence: a comfortable silence between companions, reflecting the ease of a companionate relationship.

    • They sat in companionable silence, enjoying each other's presence. (A peaceful, friendly quiet.)