Spouse vs. Consort: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on January 8, 2024
A "spouse" refers to one's legally wedded husband or wife, while "consort" historically denotes the wife or husband of a reigning monarch.
Difference Between Spouse and Consort
Both "spouse" and "consort" relate to marital partnerships, but their usages and contexts differ. "Spouse" is a term we frequently encounter in everyday language, administrative documents, or legal situations. On the other hand, "consort" has a more historical and regal connotation, often associated with royalty.
Muazma Batool
Jan 08, 2024
"Spouse" is a universally recognized term that pertains to an individual's legal partner in marriage, irrespective of gender. It can be used to refer to both husbands and wives. Whether in legal documents, social interactions, or discussions about relationships, "spouse" stands as a neutral term to denote one's married partner. For example, on many forms, you'll find a section asking for "spouse's name," emphasizing its wide and general use.
Muneeza Rehman
Jan 08, 2024
Conversely, "consort" evokes images of palaces, crowns, and regal ceremonies. Historically, a consort was the wife or husband of a reigning monarch. The term sometimes goes beyond mere marriage, as it can also suggest that the person doesn't have ruling powers like the monarch does. Queen Elizabeth II's husband, Prince Philip, was often referred to as her "consort," highlighting his supportive role without ruling authority.
Muazma Batool
Jan 08, 2024
While "spouse" is an all-encompassing term that can be used for anyone legally married, "consort" is more restrictive, focusing on the royal domain. One might speak of their spouse in daily life, but "consort" would be reserved for discussions on monarchy, history, or literature.
Nolan
Jan 08, 2024
Spouse vs. Consort Comparison Chart
Definition
One's legal partner in marriage.
The wife or husband of a reigning monarch.
Muazma Batool
Jan 08, 2024
Legal Connotation
Strongly associated with legal ties.
More about status than legalities.
Jonathan
Jan 08, 2024
Power Implication
No implied power dynamics.
Often implies a secondary role to the reigning monarch.
Muneeza Rehman
Jan 08, 2024
Spouse vs. Consort Definitions
◉Spouse
Either a husband or wife.
My spouse and I are celebrating our anniversary today.
Muazma Batool
Sep 15, 2023
◉Consort
Historically, the spouse of a reigning monarch.
The prince consort had no ruling powers of his own.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 15, 2023
◉Consort
A partner in a royal marriage.
The queen's consort was always by her side during ceremonies.
Muazma Batool
Sep 15, 2023
◉Spouse
One's partner in marriage.
Every spouse should be supportive and understanding.
Levi
Sep 15, 2023
◉Spouse
A person's marital counterpart.
The event is open to employees and their spouses.
Nolan
Sep 15, 2023
◉Consort
An animal with which another animal, usually of the opposite sex, forms a bond for a temporary period during which the two individuals maintain close proximity and engage in mating or other sexual behavior.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Spouse
A person in a marriage or marital relationship.
People should treat their spouses with respect.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Spouse
A man or woman engaged or joined in wedlock; a married person, husband or wife.
At last such grace I found, and means I wrought,That I that lady to my spouse had won.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Spouse
A married man, in distinction from a spousess or married woman; a bridegroom or husband.
At which marriage was [were] no persons present but the spouse, the spousess, the Duchess of Bedford her mother, the priest, two gentlewomen, and a young man.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Consort
To keep company; associate
a politician known to consort with gangsters.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Spouse
To wed; to espouse.
This markis hath her spoused with a ring.
Though spoused, yet wanting wedlock's solemnize.
She was found again, and spoused to Marinell.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Consort
The spouse of a monarch.
The consort of the queen has passed from this troubled sphere.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Consort
An informal, usually well-publicized sexual companion of a monarch, aristocrat, celebrity, etc.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Consort
A group or company, especially of musicians playing the same type of instrument.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Consort
(postpositive) of a title, by virtue of one's (living) spouse; often contrasted with regnant and dowager
Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother took on nearly as many duties as queen dowager, after her husband's death, as she had had when she was queen consort during his reign.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Consort
One who shares the lot of another; a companion; a partner; especially, a wife or husband.
He single chose to live, and shunned to wed,Well pleased to want a consort of his bed.
The consort of the queen has passed from this troubled sphere.
The snow-white gander, invariably accompanied by his darker consort.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Consort
Concurrence; conjunction; combination; association; union.
Take it singly, and it carries an air of levity; but, in consort with the rest, has a meaning quite different.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Consort
An assembly or association of persons; a company; a group; a combination.
In one consort' there satCruel revenge and rancorous despite,Disloyal treason, and heart-burning hate.
Lord, place me in thy consort.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Consort
Harmony of sounds; concert, as of musical instruments.
To make a sad consort';Come, let us join our mournful song with theirs.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Consort
To unite or to keep company; to associate; - used with with.
Which of the Grecian chiefs consorts with thee?
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Consort
To unite or join, as in affection, harmony, company, marriage, etc.; to associate.
He with his consorted Eve.
For all that pleasing is to living earsWas there consorted in one harmony.
He begins to consort himself with men.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Consort
To attend; to accompany.
Thou, wretched boy, that didst consort him here,Shalt with him hence.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Consort
keep company with; hang out with;
He associates with strange people
She affiliates with her colleagues
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Consort
A royal partner, especially the husband or wife of a monarch.
Queen Victoria's consort, Prince Albert, played a pivotal role in her reign.
Muazma Batool
Sep 15, 2023
◉Consort
One accompanying or associating with another, especially in a subordinate role.
The king traveled with his consort.
Levi
Sep 15, 2023
Spouse vs. Consort Frequently Asked Questions
Are all consorts royalty?
Typically, a consort is associated with royalty, being the partner of a reigning king or queen.
Levi
Jan 08, 2024
Can "consort" be used for any married partner?
No, it's specifically related to the partner of a reigning monarch.
Muneeza Rehman
Jan 08, 2024
How does "spouse" relate to marital status?
"Spouse" is a term used to denote one's legally married partner.
Muazma Batool
Jan 08, 2024
Why might someone refer to a partner as "consort" in historical texts?
It's likely referring to the partner of a monarch, emphasizing their royal status.
Elijah
Jan 08, 2024
Do consorts have ruling powers?
Not necessarily; often, they play a supportive role without ruling authority.
Muneeza Rehman
Jan 08, 2024
Is the term "spouse" more modern than "consort"?
"Spouse" is a more universally contemporary term, while "consort" has historical roots.
Muazma Batool
Jan 08, 2024
In which situations is "spouse" most commonly used?
It's used in everyday language, legal documents, and discussions about relationships.
Muneeza Rehman
Jan 08, 2024
Would it be correct to call any husband or wife a consort?
Not in typical contexts; "consort" is more specific to royalty.
Jonathan
Jan 08, 2024
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
