Meaning, Sentences, Synonyms and Antonyms for Alimony
Word Origin for Alimony
The story of origin behind the word alimony is actually very simple and logical. Alimony finds its roots in the concept of nourishment. It is derived from the Latin root, alimonia, which further comes from the Latin word ‘alere’. ‘Alere’ is a verb meaning ‘nourish’. The suffix ‘-mony’ is a form of the suffix ‘–ment’, and if we add our pieces of information, it basically translates the meaning of ‘alimony’ into ‘nourishment’. But what kind of nourishment are we talking about here?
Alimony basically equates to ‘eating money’, meaning the money from which one receives nourishment. In its original sense, the word was used to describe the pension of a widow but present day usage indicates that the word is basically sexless and the instances of a husband receiving money from his former wife are pretty common these days.
Two words which are based on similar lines and should arise your curiosity are:
Palimony: money/support paid by one half of an unmarried partnership after the relationship ends
Dallymony: provision for somebody one has jilted.
These words are basically next door neighbours of alimony in terms of usage and can be learnt easily along with it.
Pronunciation: al-uh-moh-nee
Meaning of Alimony
1. A court-ordered support paid by one spouse to the other after they are separated.
2. Money paid regularly by one marriage partner to the other as ordered by a court after a legal separation or divorce, or during proceedings for divorce or separation.
3. A means of livelihood; maintenance.
Our super tip to learn Alimony
The simple association to remember alimony is the word ‘Divorce’. Alimony is what the court orders one of the spouses to pay to the other at the time of the divorce.
Example Sentences for Alimony
1. Alimony is a contentious issue and in order to avoid, many couples now sign pre-nuptial agreements.
2. Summing the case up, he said, “Well, my man, I am afraid you will have to pay one-third of your income in alimony to the woman you have left”. -The Empire Club of Canada Addresses, 30 Nov 1933
Synonyms of Alimony
maintenance, subsistence, support, sustenance, upkeep.
Antonyms of Alimony
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The flash card is hilarious and apt at the same time.
I had doubt … Is this word used only to indicate matters between husband n wives.. or it can b between anyone… Like son and father or any other relationship..???
Delhi court ask women to find a job and not to seek alimony from husband is a brave move towards opportunistic feminism.
Great usage example