housewife
B2Formal, dated. Can be neutral in historical contexts but often considered old-fashioned or loaded in contemporary usage.
Definition
Meaning
A woman whose primary occupation is managing the home and caring for the family.
In archaic and specialized contexts, it can refer to a small sewing kit or container. In modern times, the term is considered dated or sometimes pejorative, with 'stay-at-home mother' or 'homemaker' often preferred.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term traditionally carries assumptions about gender roles, marital status, and lack of paid employment. Its usage has declined significantly since the mid-20th century. The plural is 'housewives'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both variants use the term, but it is arguably perceived as slightly more old-fashioned in American English. The specialized meaning of a small sewing kit ('housewife' or 'hussif') is very rare and largely archaic in both.
Connotations
In both varieties, it can carry potentially limiting or judgmental connotations in modern contexts. Neutral in historical or sociological discussions.
Frequency
Higher frequency in mid-20th century literature and media. Current usage is low and often deliberately chosen for its specific connotations.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
She is a housewife.She works as a housewife.the life of a housewifeVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Desperate Housewives (TV title, idiomatic use)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in market research (e.g., 'products targeted at housewives').
Academic
Used in historical, sociological, or gender studies contexts, often in quotes or as a defined term.
Everyday
Declining use. May be used by older generations or self-referentially. Can be sensitive.
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
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
- (Not standard. Use 'domestic' or 'housewifely' for related qualities.)
American English
- (Not standard. Use 'domestic' or 'housewifely' for related qualities.)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My grandmother was a housewife.
- She is a housewife with three children.
- In the 1950s, the ideal for many women was to be a housewife.
- She gave up her job to become a full-time housewife.
- The documentary explored the changing perceptions of the housewife in post-war society.
- Many modern women reject the label 'housewife', preferring 'homemaker'.
- The term 'housewife' is laden with socioeconomic and feminist implications, often evoking images of confined domesticity.
- Sociologists debate whether the decline of the traditional housewife role has led to greater gender equality in the home.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the phrase 'wife of the house', focusing on the domestic sphere.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE HOME IS A DOMAIN/DOMESTICITY IS A ROLE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not directly equivalent to 'домохозяйка' in modern connotation. 'Домохозяйка' is more neutral and administrative, while 'housewife' is more role-oriented and potentially loaded. Avoid using 'housewife' as a direct translation in contemporary texts without considering tone.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'housewife' to refer to any married woman. Confusing with 'housekeeper' (a paid employee). Using in a modern context without awareness of its potentially negative connotations.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most neutral, modern synonym for 'housewife'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on context and the person's preference. It can be seen as dated or limiting. 'Homemaker' or 'stay-at-home parent' are often safer, more neutral choices.
Traditionally, no. The male equivalent is 'househusband' or 'stay-at-home dad'. The word 'wife' is gender-specific.
A housewife manages her own home and family without (primary) pay. A housekeeper is a paid employee who cleans and maintains a home, which may not be their own.
Social changes, increased female participation in the workforce, and feminist critique of traditional gender roles have made the term seem anachronistic or ideologically charged for many.
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