What does the term "significant other" mean?
Q: What does the term "significant other" mean?
A: The term "significant other" refers to a person who has a close relationship with someone, without specifying their marital status, relationship status or sexual orientation.
Q: Are there any other terms that are similar to "significant other"?
A: Yes, some more specific terms that are similar to "significant other" are: sweetheart, better half, spouse, domestic partner, lover, soulmate, or life partner.
Q: Where is the term "significant other" now used?
A: The term "significant other" is now often used in invitations, such as to weddings and office parties. In hospital correspondence, for instance, the term is used to indicate that someone could be accompanied to their appointment by their significant other.
Q: Is "relevant other" a way of saying the same thing as "significant other"?
A: Yes, "relevant other" is another way of saying the same thing as "significant other".
Q: Is "significant others" ever used in place of "significant other"?
A: Yes, "significant others" is sometimes used interchangeably with "significant other".
Q: What might "significant other" refer to in psychology, psychiatry, and sociology?
A: In psychology, psychiatry and sociology, "significant other" might refer to someone who has a big influence on the person.
Q: Where was the term "significant other" first used?
A: The term "significant other" was first known to be used in the United States.
