couple — meaning in English: couple

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 'couple' in social settings when referring to two people who are romantically involved, such as at a party or dinner. It can also be used more casually to describe any small group of things, like a couple of friends going out for coffee.

Synonyms & nuances

While 'pair' is a close synonym, 'couple' typically emphasizes romantic or intimate relationships, whereas 'pair' can refer to any two items or people. Use 'couple' when you want to highlight the relationship aspect.

Culture

'Couple' comes from the Old French word 'couple', which means 'a pair' or 'a joining'. Over time, it has evolved to primarily refer to romantic partners, reflecting the importance of relationships in human culture. Interestingly, in some cultures, the word 'couple' can also imply a deeper emotional bond than just two people, highlighting the nuances of relationships around the world.

FAQ

Q.What does 'couple' mean in English?

'Couple' refers to two people who are together in a romantic relationship or simply two items. It can be used to describe both the emotional bond and the physical pairing.

Q.Is 'couple' used only for romantic relationships?

Not necessarily! While it often refers to romantic partners, 'couple' can also describe two things, like a couple of apples or a couple of ideas.

Q.How do you use 'couple' in a sentence?

'Couple' can be used as a noun, as in 'They make a lovely couple', or as a quantifier, like in 'I have a couple of questions about the project.'

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