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Old 12-Oct-2004, 14:12
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Default Does the definition sound neutral?

I'd like to know whether the definition below is neutral, derogative or commendatory?

Concubine: A woman who cohabits with a man.
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Old 12-Oct-2004, 14:24
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Default Re: Does the definition sound neutral?

Quote:
Originally Posted by NewHope
I'd like to know whether the definition below is neutral, derogative or commendatory?

Concubine: A woman who cohabits with a man.
Neutral. Note that, a modern day housewife cohabits with a man. :wink: The definition should be a bit more specific.
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Old 12-Oct-2004, 14:34
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Cool!

I'd like to hear more opinions about it!
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Old 12-Oct-2004, 16:15
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Both dictionary.com and m-w.com (Marriam-Webster dictionary) agree with your definition, with the addition of "...without being legaly married to him" (thus agreeing with Casiopea).

Secondary definitions from these two dictionaries include:

-"In certain societies, such as imperial China, a woman contracted to a man as a secondary wife, often having few legal rights and low social status."

-"One having a recognized social status in a household below that of a wife"

-"A wife of inferior condition; a lawful wife, but not united to the man by the usual ceremonies, and of inferior condition."


Dictionary.com definition
Merriam Webster definition


Hope this helps.
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Old 13-Oct-2004, 01:11
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Thanks Sam-F.

But I just hoped you offer your opinion whether the definition is neutral or d/c.
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Old 13-Oct-2004, 09:10
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Right, sorry.

I guess that, if you don't mention the fact that either a concubine isn't married, or that she might be of lower social status, calling a concubine "someone who cohabits with a man" is a little too neutral: it's like saying that a concubine is a woman -- it's neutral, but it doesn't say enough.

The definitions that I quoted I'd also say were neutral.
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