Husband vs Spouse
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Husband | Spouse | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | A man who is married. | A person's husband or wife. |
| CEFR level | A1 | C1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Usage notes | Used primarily in familial or marital contexts. It's appropriate in both casual and formal settings when referring to a married man. Avoid using it in slang or overly casual conversations. | Used to refer to a partner in marriage. More common in formal contexts; in casual settings, 'husband' or 'wife' is often used instead. |
Frequently asked questions: Husband vs Spouse
What's the difference between "Husband" and "Spouse"?
"Husband" means: A man who is married. "Spouse" means: A person's husband or wife.
When should I use "Husband" and "Spouse"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Husband" and "Spouse" the same CEFR level?
"Husband" is at A1, "Spouse" is at C1 on the CEFR scale.