better half

== English == === Etymology === Ultimately from such Latin poetic phrases as animae dīmidium meae (“half of my soul”) (Horace writing about Virgil), when it instead referred to a close friend (compare soulmate). First written instance of it meaning “spouse” was in 1580 by Sir Philip Sidney. === Pronunciation === === Noun === better half (plural better halves) A person's spouse or lover, most commonly a man's wife. Synonyms: see Thesaurus:spouse Near-synonyms: other half (neutral valence), ball and chain (negative valence) (archaic) A very close friend or companion. ==== Usage notes ==== Generally jocular, but may be complimentary or as a sign of respect. ==== Translations ==== === References ===