Widowed - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Widowed describes a person whose spouse has died and who has not remarried. It is commonly used to indicate marital status in legal, social, or official contexts.
Definition:
No longer married due to the death of one's spouse.
Synonyms:
bereaved, unmarried, lone, spouse-less
Part of Speech:
adjective, verb (past tense)
Antonyms:
married, partnered
Common Collocations:
widowed mother, recently widowed, widowed status, young widowed
Derivatives:
widowhood, widowing
Usage Tips:
Use "widowed" to describe someone whose spouse has died; avoid confusion with "divorced" or "single."
Common Phrases:
widowed young, left widowed, tragically widowed
Etymology:
From Old English "widewe," meaning a woman whose spouse has died; later extended to men.
Examples:
- 1. She became widowed after her husband passed away last year.
- 2. The support group helps widowed individuals cope with their loss.
- 3. He was left widowed with two young children to raise.
- 4. Many cultures have specific traditions for the newly widowed.