What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mate
Example
My college roommate is still my best mate. [mate: noun]
Example
The male bird was searching for a mate to build a nest with. [mate: noun]
Example
I'm going out with my mate tonight. [mate: noun]
spouse
Example
My spouse and I have been married for 10 years. [spouse: noun]
Example
The law recognizes both spouses as equal partners in a marriage. [spouses: plural noun]
Example
We've been together for so long, we might as well be spouses. [spouses: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Spouse is more commonly used than mate in formal contexts, such as legal documents or official forms. However, mate is more commonly used in casual conversation and can be used to refer to a romantic partner in Australian and British English.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mate and spouse?
Spouse is a more formal term than mate, and is typically used in legal or official contexts. Mate, on the other hand, is a more casual term that is often used in informal conversation or to refer to a friend or companion.
