"Living together" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription system as /ˈlɪvɪŋ təˈɡɛðər/. The first syllable, "liv," is pronounced with a short "i" sound, followed by a "v" and "ing" sound. The second syllable, "ing," is pronounced with an "ih" sound and a nasal "ng" sound. The third syllable, "together," is pronounced with a "t" and "uh" sound, followed by a "g" and "eh" sound, and ending with an "er" sound. This spelling accurately represents the pronunciation of the phrase.
Living together refers to the cohabitation of individuals in the same dwelling, often with a romantic or intimate relationship. It is the voluntary choice of unmarried partners to share a common living space without being legally married or in a registered partnership. This arrangement typically involves sharing expenses, household responsibilities, and daily life activities.
Living together can encompass various types of relationships, including couples who are dating, engaged, or in long-term committed partnerships. It is characterized by a genuine commitment to sharing a life together while maintaining separate legal statuses. Unmarried individuals may choose to live together to determine compatibility before considering marriage, to enjoy the benefits of companionship and emotional support, or to share living costs and responsibilities.
Living together often entails establishing and maintaining a shared household, where both partners contribute to expenses such as rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries, and other living essentials. Responsibilities and chores are typically divided based on mutual agreement and personal preferences. Communication, respect, and understanding are vital in maintaining a healthy cohabitation arrangement.
While living together may share similarities with marriage, it lacks the legal rights and protections associated with formal marriage or registered partnerships. Decision-making processes, inheritance rights, and parental responsibilities may differ depending on the jurisdiction and legal frameworks in place.
Living together can be a significant milestone in a relationship, highlighting a level of commitment, trust, and compatibility between partners while providing practical advantages in terms of shared resources and emotional support.
The phrase "living together" does not have a specific etymology on its own since it is formed from two common English words. However, the individual words can be traced back:
1. Living: The word "living" originated from the Old English word "lifian" which meant "to be alive" or "to have life". It further evolved to "lybban" in Middle English. Eventually, it took its modern form, "living", in the 16th century. The term has remained relatively unchanged since then.
2. Together: The word "together" comes from the Old English word "tōgædere" which meant "in a group" or "in company with others". It is a combination of "tō", meaning "at" or "to", and "gædere", which means "together" or "to gather".