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Concubines Meaning in English

word · lemma: concubine

ˈkɑnkjəˌbaɪnz
KAHN-kyuh-bynz
kənkjˈuːbaɪnz
kuhn-KYOO-bynz

Definition

Women who lived with a man and had a relationship similar to a wife, but with lower social status, often in historical or royal contexts.

Usage & Nuances

Mostly used in historical or literary contexts; rare in modern life. Refers specifically to women in non-marital relationships in societies where men could have wives and concubines. Not interchangeable with 'mistress'; 'concubine' implies a more formal relationship.

Example Sentences

The king had many concubines in his palace.

basic

Concubines did not have the same rights as the queen.

basic

Some rulers had children with their concubines.

basic

In ancient China, emperors' concubines often lived in secluded quarters.

natural

Stories about concubines appear in many classic novels and dramas.

natural

He studied how concubines influenced politics in history.

natural