Widower vs. Widowed — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 27, 2024
A widower is a man whose spouse has gone, while "widowed" is an adjective describing someone who has lost their spouse.
Difference Between Widower and Widowed
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
While a widower is used as a noun, for example in contexts where one is identifying marital status or personal history, "widowed" serves as an adjective, describing a person's marital status. This distinction highlights how grammar can influence the use of these terms in sentences.
The term "widower" connotes a specific and ongoing identity attributed to a surviving male spouse. Whereas, "widowed" is often used temporarily in context, indicating the current state or condition of a person after their spouse's gone.
In social and demographic discussions, "widower" might be analyzed to understand issues of aging, health, and social connections among bereaved men. In contrast, "widowed" might be used more broadly in statistics and surveys to categorize both men and women who have experienced the loss of a spouse.
The emotional implications of the terms can also vary; "widower" might evoke a sense of long-term identity as part of one’s personal narrative. On the other hand, "widowed" can signify a phase or aspect of someone's life that might change, especially when considering remarriage or a change in social status.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun
Adjective
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Gender Association
Male only
Gender-neutral
Usage Context
Personal identity
Descriptive status
Duration
Long-term identity
Temporary or changing
Social Implications
Often discusses individual stories or demographics
Broadly used in statistics and social studies
Compare with Definitions
Widower
Reflects a permanent personal identity.
He has been a proud widower who speaks openly about his experiences.
Widowed
Applicable in various legal and social welfare contexts.
Widowed individuals may qualify for certain government benefits.
Widower
A man whose spouse has passed away and who has not remarried.
The widower visits his wife’s grave every year on her birthday.
Widowed
Describes a person whose spouse has gone.
She became widowed last year after her husband’s long illness.
Widower
Sometimes used in legal contexts to specify rights or statuses.
The estate was transferred to him as he is the legal widower.
Widowed
Used to specify marital status on official documents.
She marked herself as widowed on the census survey.
Widower
Often used to describe marital status in documents.
He checked widower on the marital status section of the form.
Widowed
Can change over time, especially if the person remarries.
He was widowed for five years before remarrying.
Widower
Can be a demographic category in social sciences.
Studies show that widowers are less likely to seek emotional support than widows.
Widowed
Often used in support group or therapy settings.
The support group for widowed persons meets twice a month.
Widowed
(Informal) A woman whose spouse is often away pursuing a sport or hobby.
Widowed
An additional hand of cards dealt face down in some card games, to be used by the highest bidder. Also called kitty1.
Widowed
A single, usually short line of type, as one ending a paragraph, carried over to the top of the next page or column.
Widowed
A short line of type at the bottom of a page, column, or paragraph.
Widowed
To make a widow or widower of.
Widowed
Simple past tense and past participle of widow
Common Curiosities
What is a widower?
A widower is a man who has lost his spouse and has not remarried.
Are the terms widower and widowed interchangeable?
No, "widower" is a noun specific to men, while "widowed" is an adjective applicable to anyone.
What documents might require someone to declare they are widowed or a widower?
Legal forms, social security paperwork, and personal identity documents may require this information.
Can someone remain widowed if they remarry?
No, if someone remarries, they are no longer considered widowed.
Is there a difference in the social implications of being called a widower versus being described as widowed?
Yes, "widower" might suggest a more permanent identity, while "widowed" could be seen as a temporary state.
What are common challenges faced by widowers?
Common challenges include dealing with grief, loneliness, and sometimes parenting challenges.
Can a woman be called a widower?
No, a woman in such a situation is referred to as a widow.
How does society view widowers and widowed individuals differently?
Widowers might be perceived as more unusual or noteworthy due to fewer men being widowed, and social expectations about men dealing with grief.
Is there a difference in how the terms widower and widowed are used across different cultures?
Yes, cultural perceptions and the social roles of widowers versus widowed individuals can vary significantly.
How do support groups help widowed individuals?
They provide emotional support, understanding, and shared experiences to help cope with loss.
Why might a person need to declare they are widowed on official documents?
For reasons related to inheritance, legal rights, or accessing specific services and supports.
What legal rights do widowers have?
They may have rights to their deceased spouse’s estate, pensions, and other benefits.
What benefits might a widowed person receive?
They might be eligible for bereavement allowances, tax reductions, or pension benefits.
Can the term widowed apply to those who were unmarried but in a long-term partnership?
Generally, no, as "widowed" specifically refers to the loss of a legally married spouse, although some regions might recognize long-term partnerships similarly.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
