yokefellow
Definition
- Noun:
- A close companion or partner: "yokefellow" refers to a person who is closely associated with another, often in a shared task or responsibility, historically suggesting a bond like that of two oxen yoked together for work.
- A spouse: In older usage, "yokefellow" can mean a husband or wife, emphasizing the partnership of marriage.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- They were yokefellows in the business, working side by side for decades. (Close companions in a shared enterprise.)
- She considered her husband her faithful yokefellow in all life’s trials. (A spouse as a partner in marriage.)
Advanced Usage
"to be yokefellow with someone": to be in a close, collaborative partnership.
- In the monastery, each monk had a yokefellow for daily chores and prayer. (A designated companion for shared duties.)
"a yokefellow in arms": a comrade in battle or military service.
- The soldiers were yokefellows, bound by their shared sacrifices. (Fellow warriors.)
Variants and Related Words
- Yokemate (n): an alternative form of "yokefellow," meaning the same — a close partner or spouse.
- He found a loyal yokemate in his research assistant. (A dedicated collaborator.)
Synonyms
- Partner: a person who shares in an activity.
- Companion: someone who accompanies another.
- Consort: a spouse or partner, especially in a formal context.
- Associate: a colleague in work or business.
Related Idioms
- To be yoked together: to be united in a common purpose or bond.
- They were yoked together by their shared faith and community work. (Bound in partnership.)