What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Spouse vs Girlfriend - What's the difference?

spouse | girlfriend |

As nouns the difference between spouse and girlfriend

is that spouse is a person's husband or wife while girlfriend is a female partner in a romantic relationship.

As a verb spouse

is to wed; to espouse.

spouse

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • A person's husband or wife.
    • People should treat their spouses with respect.
  • * Spenser
    • At last such grace I found, and means I wrought, / That I that lady to my spouse had won.

    Derived terms

    * spousal (pos a)

    Verb

  • (dated) To wed; to espouse.
  • * 1819 , , Otho the Great , Act III, Scene II, verses 212-214
    • Do you stand possess’d
    Of any proof against the honourableness
    Of Lady Auranthe, our new-spoused daughter?

    Anagrams

    *

    girlfriend

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A female partner in a romantic relationship.
    • Marc went to the park with his girlfriend and watched the sunset with her.
  • A female friend.
    • Mary always enjoyed hanging out with her girlfriend Jessica.

    Synonyms

    * (female friend) chickfriend (slang)

    Usage notes

    * The term is used to describe any girl or woman in a romantic relationship with another person. * An adult woman in such a non-marital relationship is sometimes described instead as a significant other'' or ''partner'', especially if the two partners are living together. Since ''girlfriend'' and ''partner mean different things to different people, the distinctions between the terms are subjective, and which term is used in a relationship will ultimately be determined by personal preference. * The use of girlfriend for a female non-romantic friend of another female is limited in geographic distribution and sometimes preferred by older generations of speakers.

    Alternative forms

    * girl friend * girl-friend

    See also

    female partner in a romantic relationship * boyfriend * * lover * partner * significant other * sweetheart * wife * lady friend a female friend * boyfriend * buddy * friend * pal