What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
alimony
Example
After the divorce, John was ordered to pay alimony to his ex-wife. [alimony: noun]
Example
She is seeking alimony from her husband to support herself and their children. [alimony: noun]
maintenance
Example
He was ordered to pay maintenance to his ex-wife after the divorce. [maintenance: noun]
Example
The court ordered him to provide maintenance for his children after the separation. [maintenance: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Alimony is more commonly used in legal contexts and discussions related to divorce or separation, while maintenance is a broader term that can refer to support for dependents or former spouses in various situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between alimony and maintenance?
Both alimony and maintenance are formal terms used in legal contexts and discussions related to financial support. However, alimony may be considered more formal due to its association with divorce and separation cases.
