英和和英

発音

名詞

better half (plural better halves)

1. A person's spouse or lover, most commonly a man's wife.

   Synonyms: see Thesaurus:spouse

   • 1580, Philip Sidney, “Book III”, in The Countess of Pembroke's Arcadia, page 357:

     But with that Argalus came out of his swoon, […] , it seemed a little cheerful blood came up to his cheeks, like a burning coal, almost dead, if some breath a little revive it: and forcing up, the best he could, his feeble voice, “My dear, my better half,” said he, “I find I must now leave thee: and by that sweet hand, and fair eyes of thine I swear that death brings nothing with it to grieve me but that I must leave thee, […]

   • 1994, Quentin Tarantino, Roger Avary, Pulp Fiction, spoken by The Wolf (Harvey Keitel):

     Quickly gentlemen, we got about fifteen minutes before Jimmie's better-half comes pulling into the driveway.

   • 2002, Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant, “Interview”, in The Office, season 2, episode 6 (television production), spoken by Helena (Olivia Colman):

     Private life then, just to flesh out David Brent the man. Is there a better half?

2. (archaic) A very close friend or companion.

使用する際の注意点

• Generally jocular, but may be complimentary or as a sign of respect.

参照