ex-spouse
UK[ˌeks ˈspaʊs]US[ˌeks ˈspaʊs]
n
a person to whom one was formerly married; a former husband or wife.
Morpheme Breakdown
ex
spouse
ex
former
spouse
husband or wife
Etymology
the word 'ex-spouse' is a modern english compound formed by directly combining the latin prefix 'ex-' with the noun 'spouse'. the prefix 'ex-', deriving from latin, carries the core meaning of 'out of' or 'from', and in english it is productively used to denote a former status, as seen in terms like 'ex-president' or 'ex-employee'. the word 'spouse' entered english from old french 'espous(e)', which itself originated from the latin past participles 'sponsus' and 'sponsa', meaning a betrothed or married person. therefore, the literal morphemic construction 'former married person' transparently and logically conveys the modern legal and social concept of a former husband or wife.
Analysis
Structure: ex (former) + spouse (husband or wife)
ex- (latin origin, a prefix meaning 'out of, from, former'); spouse (latin origin via old french, meaning 'husband or wife', from latin 'sponsus' (betrothed man) and 'sponsa' (betrothed woman)).
Examples
she maintains a cordial relationship with her ex-spouse for the sake of their children.
the legal documents clearly outlined the financial responsibilities towards his ex-spouse.
it can be challenging to navigate social events when both you and your ex-spouse are invited.