Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word
better half. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
better half, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
better half in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
better half you have here. The definition of the word
better half will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
better half, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
Ultimately from such Latin poetic phrases as animae dīmidium meae (“half of my soul”) (Horace writing about Virgil), when it instead referred to a close friend (compare soulmate). First written instance of it meaning “spouse” was in 1580 by Sir Philip Sidney.
Pronunciation
Noun
better half (plural better halves)
- A person's spouse or lover, most commonly a man's wife.
- Synonyms: see Thesaurus:spouse
1580, Philip Sidney, “Book III”, in The Countess of Pembroke's Arcadia, page 357:But with that Argalus came out of his swoon, […] , it seemed a little cheerful blood came up to his cheeks, like a burning coal, almost dead, if some breath a little revive it: and forcing up, the best he could, his feeble voice, “My dear, my better half,” said he, “I find I must now leave thee: and by that sweet hand, and fair eyes of thine I swear that death brings nothing with it to grieve me but that I must leave thee, […]
2002, Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant, “Interview”, in The Office, season 2, episode 6 (television production), spoken by Helena (Olivia Colman):Private life then, just to flesh out David Brent the man. Is there a better half?
- (archaic) A very close friend or companion.
Usage notes
- Generally jocular, but may be complimentary or as a sign of respect.
Translations
References