What is divorcee? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of divorcee

divorceenoun

người ly dị

/dɪˌvɔːˈsiː//dɪˌvɔːrˈseɪ/

Where does the word divorcee come from?

The term "divorcee" originated in the early 20th century, as the growing trend of divorce became more prevalent in Western societies. Prior to this time, society placed a strong emphasis on eternal marital bonds, and divorce was construed as a taboo subject, causing divorced individuals to face shame and social stigma. As divorce became more accepted, new terms emerged to describe divorced individuals. The term "divorcee" was coined as a more polite and less pejorative alternative to the derogatory term "alimony jack/queen," which was commonly used in the past. "Divorcee" simply refers to a person who has been legally divorced from a spouse. The word is derived from a French term, "divorcé," which entered the English language in the mid-19th century. The French term, in turn, came from Latin words, "divortium" and "divorcare," meaning "undoing" and "unmaking," respectively. The term's etymology signifies the process of ending a marriage, which has become a more common occurrence in modern society. Today, "divorcee" is not a negative nor a positive term by itself but rather a descriptive one. While the connotations associated with this term have evolved over time, its meaning remains the same: a person who has been legally divorced from a spouse.

Example of vocabulary divorceenamespace

  • As a divorcee, Sarah struggled to find love again after her painful separation from her ex-husband.
  • The divorcee moved to a new city, seeking a fresh start and new opportunities to meet compatible partners.
  • After years of being a divorcee, Jane's children had grown up and she now found herself adjusting to an empty nest.
  • As a divorcee, Robert had learned to be self-reliant and independent, and found comfort in his own company.
  • The divorcee's former in-laws continued to cause tension, particularly during family gatherings.

Synonyms and related words for divorcee


Comment ()