Wife
/waɪf/noun
A married woman or a woman considered in relation to her spouse.
Did you know?The term 'wife' is linked to the concept of weaving, reflecting ancient beliefs in women's roles as creators of both life and fabric, intertwined with fate.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʷīh₁p
“To remain, to stay; an association with domesticity.”
Old English
Old English
wīf
“Woman, female, specifically a married woman.”
Old High German
OHG
wīb
“Woman, wife, indicating a marital bond.”
Middle English
Middle English
wif
“A married woman, reflecting social status.”
Modern English
English
wife
“A term for a married woman, retaining its significance in social and familial structure.”