Goodwife - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A goodwife is a term historically used to refer to a married woman, often of lower or middle class, who manages her household with skill and diligence. It denotes respectability and domestic responsibility.
Definition:
A respectful or archaic term for a married woman, especially a housewife or mistress of a household.
Synonyms:
housewife, homemaker, spouse, partner, matron
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
bachelor, spinster
Common Collocations:
dutiful goodwife, goodwife's duties, goodwife's chores
Derivatives:
goodwives, goodwifely
Usage Tips:
Use "goodwife" in historical contexts or to evoke an old-fashioned tone; avoid in modern casual speech.
Common Phrases:
the goodwife's tale, the goodwife's domain, as the goodwife says
Etymology:
From Middle English "good" + "wif," meaning a woman of good standing or a married woman.
Examples:
- 1. The goodwife prepared dinner for her family every evening.
- 2. In colonial times, the goodwife managed household tasks with great skill.
- 3. The villagers respected the goodwife for her wisdom and kindness.
- 4. A goodwife’s duties often included cooking, cleaning, and caring for children.