What is kept woman? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of kept woman in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of kept woman

kept womannoun
giữ người phụ nữ
/ˌkept ˈwʊmən//ˌkept ˈwʊmən/

Where does the word kept woman come from?

The term "kept woman" originated in the late 1800s and refers to a woman who is financially supported by a man without being his wife. The term derives from the notion that the man is essentially "keeping" the woman, providing her with material comforts and sustenance. In the early 20th century, this arrangement was commonly seen as scandalous, as it blurred the traditional gender roles and societal norms around marriage and financial independence. The term still carries some negative connotations, implying a lack of autonomy and self-sufficiency on the woman's part. However, in modern times, the concept of a kept woman has become less stigmatized, as more people recognize the value of alternative relationship structures and financial arrangements.

Example of vocabulary kept womannamespace

She refused to settle for a life as a kept woman and instead pursued her career with determination.
After divorcing her wealthy husband, the woman struggled to adjust to life outside of being a kept woman.
The actress once played the role of a kept woman in a popular drama series, but now she has moved on to more challenging roles.
The author's debut novel explores the complicated dynamics between a woman and her controlling, wealthy husband who keeps her as a kept woman.
Some women choose to be kept women, but others find it demeaning and oppressive.