cohabitation
koh-hab-ih-TAY-shun
/ˌkoʊ.hæb.ɪˈteɪ.ʃən/
The state of living together and having a sexual relationship without being married.
In family law, cohabitation can have significant legal implications regarding property rights and palimony, even without a marriage certificate.
The story behind the word. Cohabitation comes from the Latin 'co-' (together) and 'habitare' (to dwell or inhabit). It literally translates to 'dwelling together in the same place'.
Word relationships
- domestic partnership: Domestic partnership is a formal, legally recognized status with specific rights, whereas cohabitation is simply the act of living together.
- common-law marriage: Common-law marriage is a legal status where an unmarried couple is treated as married; cohabitation is the physical act of living together, which may or may not lead to a common-law marriage.
Commonly confused with
- marriage: Marriage is a legally and socially sanctioned union, whereas cohabitation lacks formal marital status.
Word family
- cohabit (verb): To live together as if married.
- cohabitant (noun): A person who lives with another in a relationship without being married.
Collocations
- cohabitation agreement
- unmarried cohabitation
- period of cohabitation
- laws governing cohabitation
Example sentences
- "Cohabitation before marriage has become increasingly common in Western societies over the last few decades." A sociological observation on modern relationships.
- "After ten years of cohabitation, the couple had to legally divide their jointly purchased home." A legal dispute over shared property.
Memory hook
Think of 'co-' (together) and 'habitat' (home). Cohabitation is sharing a habitat together. Cohabitation = Sharing a habitat.
When not to use
Do not use cohabitation to describe platonic roommates or simple house-sharing arrangements.
Fun facts
- In English common law, cohabitation was once referred to as 'living in sin' or 'concubinage', but modern family law has created 'cohabitation agreements' to protect unmarried couples.
Related words
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