significant other
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A person with whom one shares a long-term, committed romantic and sexual relationship, typically involving cohabitation: This term refers to a partner in an intimate relationship, emphasizing the seriousness and emotional significance of the bond. It is a gender-neutral and inclusive term that does not specify marital status.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in formal or official contexts (e.g., HR documents, surveys, invitations) to be inclusive of all types of committed partnerships without specifying "husband," "wife," "boyfriend," or "girlfriend."
- It can be abbreviated informally as "S.O.".
Variants and Related Words
- Partner: A very close synonym, also gender-neutral and commonly used in both personal and legal contexts.
- Spouse: Specifically refers to a husband or wife; implies a legally married relationship.
- Cohabitant: A person who lives with another, but this term does not necessarily imply a romantic or sexual relationship.
Synonyms
- Romantic partner
- Life partner
- Companion (in the context of a long-term romantic relationship)
Related Phrases
- Long-term partner: Emphasizes the duration of the relationship.
- Domestic partner: Often used in legal and policy contexts to denote an unmarried cohabiting couple with a committed relationship.
Notes on Meaning
- The term explicitly includes relationships outside of marriage. A significant other may or may not be a spouse.
- The core idea is a committed, intimate partnership. While cohabitation is typical in the definition, the emotional and relational significance is the primary focus.
Noun
- a person (not necessarily a spouse) with whom you cohabit and share a long-term sexual relationship