WordGarden.ioconjugal
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /kˈɒndʒuːɡəl/
US
- /ˈkɑndʒəɡəl/
Meanings
Adjective
relating to marriage or the relationship between spouses
Beyond the definition
The word "conjugal" whispers of wedding bells and shared lives. It describes things connected with marriage or the relationship between spouses. Think of it as everything within the bounds of matrimony—not just the ceremony, but the everyday intimacies, rights, and responsibilities that come with being married. You might read about "conjugal bliss" in a romance novel or hear lawyers discussing "conjugal rights" during legal proceedings. It's a formal word, most often found when discussing the legal, historical, or social frameworks of marriage.
"Conjugal" comes from the Latin coniugalis, meaning "joined together," and it carries a weight of tradition and commitment. While we talk about "love" and "relationships" in many ways today, "conjugal" specifically refers to the formal state of being married—the legal and social union between spouses.
It encompasses many aspects of married life, often in a technical or legal sense. A "conjugal visit" in a correctional facility allows spouses to have private time together to maintain their marital bond. Historians might discuss "conjugal duties," referring to the specific expectations and responsibilities within a marriage during a particular era. You will frequently find the term in legal documents regarding "conjugal property," meaning property treated as belonging to the marriage under the law (often including assets gained during the marriage). While less common in casual conversation, "conjugal" adds a layer of formality to the details of married partnership, evoking both personal affection and the social structure surrounding "happily ever after."
Examples
- 1
Prison visits
The prison stopped allowing conjugal visits during the lockdown.
- Phraseconjugal visit
private time officially allowed with a husband or wife
- 2
Divorce law
In the divorce hearing, her lawyer argued that she had been denied conjugal rights.
- Usageconjugal rights
a formal legal phrase about the sexual side of marriage
- 3
Married life
The novel shows a couple whose public image is perfect, but whose conjugal life is deeply unhappy.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- extramarital
- nonmarital
Used with (collocations)
- conjugal visit
- conjugal rights
- conjugal relations
- conjugal life
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- conjugaladjective