Does the definition sound neutral?

[NewHope]

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

Concubine: A woman who cohabits with a man.

[Casiopea]

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.

[NewHope]

Cool!

I'd like to hear more opinions about it!

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.

[NewHope]

Thanks Sam-F.

But I just hoped you offer your opinion whether the definition is neutral or d/c.

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.