Cool MateSpouse vs Wife
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Spouse
Top 3,000 (common)C1noun
Wife
Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
Most common: Wife
| Spouse | Wife | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //spaʊs//🇺🇸 //spaʊs// | 🇬🇧 /["/waɪf/","/waɪvz/"]/🇺🇸 /["/waɪf/","/waɪvz/"]/ |
| Meaning | A person's husband or wife. | A woman who is married. |
| Example | She introduced her spouse to her friends at the party. | My wife loves to cook Italian food. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | A1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | life partner, marital spouse, spousal support | new, future, former, meet, marry, live with, give birth |
| Antonyms | stranger, enemy, single | husband |
| Common mistakes | Using 'spouse' for a partner in a non-marital relationship., Confusing 'spouse' with 'partner,' which can refer to various types of relationships., Not using it in an appropriate formal context. | Confusing 'wife' with 'women' or 'lady', which are broader terms., Incorrectly assuming 'wife' is only used in a formal context., Using 'wife' in contexts where the relationship isn't clear or respectful. |
| Usage notes | Used to refer to a partner in marriage. More common in formal contexts; in casual settings, 'husband' or 'wife' is often used instead. | Use 'wife' in neutral contexts when referring to a married woman. It's appropriate in both casual and formal language. Avoid using 'wife' in derogatory or disrespectful manners. |
Frequently asked questions: Spouse vs Wife
What's the difference between Spouse and Wife?
Spouse: A person's husband or wife. Wife: A woman who is married.
Which is more common: Spouse and Wife?
Wife is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Spouse and Wife?
Spouse is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Spouse and Wife the same CEFR level?
Spouse: C1, Wife: A1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Spouse and Wife?
Spouse: noun, Wife: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Spouse: She introduced her spouse to her friends at the party. Wife: My wife loves to cook Italian food.
Can I use Spouse and Wife interchangeably?
Not always. Spouse and Wife are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.