The English language is full of words that have evolved over time, and some of them have interesting origins and meanings. One such word is “broadwife.” Although it may not be a commonly used word today, it has a fascinating history and associations. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, meaning, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences of broadwife.
Definitions
Broadwife is a noun that has several meanings, depending on the context in which it is used. One definition of broadwife is a woman who is bold or forward in her behavior. Another definition of the word is a midwife who is skilled in delivering babies. Additionally, broadwife can refer to a type of knife that was used by butchers in the past.
Origin
The word broadwife has its roots in Old English, where it was used to describe a woman who was broad in the hips or waist. Over time, the meaning of the word broad evolved to include the idea of being bold or forward, which is one of the definitions of broadwife that is still used today.
Meaning in different dictionaries
Different dictionaries may have slightly different definitions of broadwife, depending on the source and context. For example, the Oxford English Dictionary defines broadwife as “a woman who is bold or forward in her behavior.” Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines it as “a midwife skilled in delivering babies.” The Cambridge Dictionary also includes the definition of a type of knife.
Associations
Broadwife is a word that is associated with strong, confident women who are not afraid to speak their minds. It is also associated with the medical profession, particularly midwifery. In the past, broadwife was also associated with the butchering trade, due to the use of the broadwife knife.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of broadwife include bold, forward, confident, assertive, and audacious. Other synonyms may depend on the specific context in which the word is used.
Antonyms
Antonyms of broadwife could include shy, timid, meek, and submissive. Again, the specific antonyms may depend on the context in which the word is used.
The same root words
The root words of broadwife include “broad” and “wife.” The word broad has several meanings, including wide, extensive, and bold. The word wife refers to a married woman or a female spouse.
Example Sentences
- She was a broadwife who wasn’t afraid to speak her mind and stand up for what she believed in.
- The midwife who delivered the baby was a skilled broadwife who had delivered hundreds of babies over the years.
- The butcher used a broadwife knife to cut the meat into pieces.
- Her bold and confident demeanor earned her the nickname “broadwife” among her coworkers.
- The broadwife’s hands were steady as she delivered the baby, and the mother was grateful for her expertise.