connubial
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of connubial
First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin cōn(n)ūbiālis, equivalent to cōn(n)ūbi(um) “marriage” + -ālis adjective suffix; see origin at co-, nuptial, -al 1
Explanation
Use the adjective connubial to describe something that relates to marriage or to the relationship between spouses, such as connubial bliss or a connubial argument about who will take out the trash. Accent the second syllable in connubial: "ka-NEW-bee-ul." The Latin prefix con- means "together" and nubilis means "marriageable," which itself comes from nubere, meaning "take as husband." Nubere is also responsible for the word nubile, which was coined in the 1640s to describe a woman who was considered "marriage material." Today, it refers to a young, attractive woman.
Vocabulary lists containing connubial
Great Expectations
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Pride and Prejudice
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The Time Machine
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Dueling visions of “As You Like It,” Shakespeare’s most connubial comedy, frame September in what promise to be polar-opposite productions.
From New York Times ● Aug. 31, 2017
She has taken on her husband’s signature pout, in a connubial version of people who grow to look like their dogs.
From The New Yorker ● May 9, 2016
“Marry Him” is more measured than its explosive title suggests; and the Times piece at least allows that culture might play a role in how equality influences the connubial bed.
From Salon ● Feb. 20, 2014
It may be funny, but it is connubial torture.
From The Guardian ● Jan. 26, 2013
For we weary of his patter, Growing every moment flatter, On such subjects as connubial infelicity, And we find ourselves protesting Against everlasting jesting On the tragedies of conjugal duplicity.
From Familiar Faces by Harry Graham
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
