better half
English
Etymology
Ultimately from such Latin poetic phrases as animae dīmidium meae (“half of my soul”) (Horace writing about Virgil[1]), when it instead referred to a close friend (compare soulmate). First written instance of it meaning “spouse” was in 1580 by Sir Philip Sidney.
Pronunciation
Audio (AU) (file)
Noun
better half (plural better halves)
- A person's spouse or lover, most commonly a man's wife.
- Synonyms: see Thesaurus:spouse
- 1580, Philip Sidney, “Book III”, in The Countess of Pembroke's Arcadia, page 357:
- But with that Argalus came out of his swoon, […] , it seemed a little cheerful blood came up to his cheeks, like a burning coal, almost dead, if some breath a little revive it: and forcing up, the best he could, his feeble voice, “My dear, my better half,” said he, “I find I must now leave thee: and by that sweet hand, and fair eyes of thine I swear that death brings nothing with it to grieve me but that I must leave thee, […]
- 2002, Ricky Gervais; Stephen Merchant, “Interview”, in The Office, season 2, episode 6, spoken by Helena (Olivia Colman):
- Private life then, just to flesh out David Brent the man. Is there a better half?
- (archaic) A very close friend or companion.
Usage notes
- Generally jocular, but may be complimentary or as a sign of respect.
Translations
spouse or lover
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References
- Horace (23 BCE), “book I, poem III”, in Carmina [The Odes] (in Latin): “Et serves animae dimidium meae”