change of life: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-MidInformal, Euphemistic, Slightly Dated
Quick answer
What does “change of life” mean?
A euphemistic term for menopause, the permanent cessation of menstruation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A euphemistic term for menopause, the permanent cessation of menstruation.
A period of significant physical and emotional transition, often characterized by symptoms related to hormonal shifts. Can also be used metaphorically for any major transitional phase in life.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The phrase is understood and used in both varieties. Slightly more common in British English in euphemistic contexts.
Connotations
In both, it carries gentle, sometimes old-fashioned euphemistic connotations. Can be seen as delicate or vague.
Frequency
Frequency is declining in both varieties in favour of the more direct 'menopause'.
Grammar
How to Use “change of life” in a Sentence
[subject: woman/She] is going through [object: the change of life].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “change of life” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- She was experiencing some change-of-life symptoms.
- The article discussed change-of-life nutrition.
American English
- Her doctor provided change-of-life counseling.
- They offer a support group for change-of-life issues.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Would only appear in contexts like health insurance or wellness policies.
Academic
Occurs in sociological or historical texts on gender/medicine; 'menopause' is preferred in medical literature.
Everyday
Informal conversation, often among older generations, or when speaking euphemistically.
Technical
Avoided in favour of precise terminology like 'perimenopause', 'menopause', 'post-menopause'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “change of life”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “change of life”
- Using it for men (incorrect). Using it as a verb (e.g., "She is changing life"). Confusing it with 'mid-life crisis'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the phrase is exclusively a euphemism for female menopause. The concept of 'andropause' or male hormone changes is sometimes called a 'male menopause', but the phrase 'change of life' is not standardly applied to men.
Not offensive, but it is often viewed as old-fashioned, vague, or overly euphemistic. Many prefer the more direct and clinical term 'menopause'.
They refer to the same biological event. 'Menopause' is the precise medical term. 'Change of life' is an informal, euphemistic synonym that frames it as a natural life stage.
Yes, 'the change' is a common, shortened form of the full phrase 'change of life', carrying the same meaning and register.
A euphemistic term for menopause, the permanent cessation of menstruation.
Change of life is usually informal, euphemistic, slightly dated in register.
Change of life: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtʃeɪndʒ əv ˈlaɪf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtʃeɪndʒ əv ˈlaɪf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[no specific idioms; the phrase itself is idiomatic]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a major life 'CHANGE' like a caterpillar to a butterfly. 'CHANGE OF LIFE' describes this biological transition phase in a woman's life cycle.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY WITH DISTINCT PHASES / THE BODY IS A MACHINE UNDERGOING A SCHEDULED UPDATE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'change of life' LEAST likely to be used today?