The phrase "lives as man and wife" refers to a couple who are living together as if they were married, although they may not legally be so. The pronunciation of "lives" is /laɪvz/, with the plural -s ending pronounced as a /z/ sound. "Man" and "wife" both have the long /a/ sound (/mæn/ and /waɪf/ respectively). The phrase is usually pronounced as /lɪvz æz mæn ənd waɪf/. Proper spelling is important to ensure clear communication and understanding in written communication.
"Lives as man and wife" refers to the arrangement or condition in which two individuals, typically of opposite genders, live together as if they were legally married. This term is often employed to describe the relationship dynamics and cohabitation of a couple who are not officially married but share a domestic partnership that resembles traditional marital roles.
When a couple lives as man and wife, they may engage in various aspects of married life, such as jointly managing finances, sharing a home or living space, co-parenting children (if applicable), and presenting themselves to society as a committed couple. Although they may lack the legal rights and protections associated with marriage, their day-to-day practices and responsibilities are akin to those of a married couple.
The concept of living as man and wife can encompass relationships in various cultural and societal contexts. While some couples choose this arrangement due to personal, philosophical, or religious reasons, others may do so for practical purposes, such as financial considerations or restrictions placed on formal marriage. Furthermore, living as man and wife may form a preliminary step before entering into an official marriage or can represent a long-term alternative to marriage, based on the personal preferences and values of the individuals involved.