etymology






 

Question by  Jamie51 (39)

What is the origin of the word "spouse"?

Is it a coincidence that it sound so much like "louse"?

 
+7

Answer by  incantator (81)

Spouse comes from the Latin word spondere, meaning to pledge. Louse comes from a Germanic word for lice. It is completely coincidental that they are spelled similarly.

 
+3

Answer by  johnresa (2455)

Yes that is just a coincidence. The word spouse originated from the Latin words sponsus and sponsa which mean bridegroom and bride respectively.

 
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