single-life
|sin-gle-life|
/ˈsɪŋɡəl laɪf/
(single life)
life lived alone / unmarried state
Etymology
'single-life' is a Modern English compound formed from the adjective 'single' and the noun 'life'. 'single' ultimately derives from Latin 'singulus' meaning 'one', and 'life' comes from Old English 'līf' meaning 'life, existence'.
'single' came into English via Old French (e.g. 'sengle') from Latin 'singulus'; over time it became Middle English 'singl(e/ y)' and then modern 'single'. 'life' comes from Old English 'līf' (from Proto-Germanic *libam), appearing in Middle English as 'life' and remaining into modern English. The compound 'single life' developed in Modern English by combining these two words.
Originally, 'single' meant 'one' and 'life' meant 'state of living'; the compound evolved to refer specifically to the state or style of living of an unmarried or unattached person.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the condition or status of being single (not married or not in a romantic partnership).
After his divorce he embraced the single life and focused on his career.
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Noun 2
a way of living characterized by independence, solitude, or choosing to live alone rather than as part of a couple or family.
She enjoyed the single life: traveling, making decisions for herself, and living on her own terms.
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Last updated: 2025/12/18 18:21