Exconjugant

/ˌɛkskɒnˈdʒuːɡənt/ noun

Definition

A divorced person or someone who was once married but is no longer conjugally united with their spouse.

Etymology

From Latin 'ex-' (former) and 'conjugans,' meaning 'spouse' or 'joined together in marriage.' This word literally means 'no longer conjugally joined.'

Kelly Says

This word is almost completely obsolete now, but it reveals how much historical language emphasized marital bonds as a fundamental identity category—being an exconjugant was apparently worth having its own special word!

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Latin -ant suffix, though less explicitly gendered than -tor; refers to one joined to another, historically gendered in legal/religious contexts where marriage and marital status were male-centered concerns.

Inclusive Usage

Use inclusively; rarely problematic in modern usage.

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