The spelling of the phrase "single woman" is fairly straightforward. "Single" is pronounced /ˈsɪŋɡəl/, with the stress on the first syllable. Meanwhile, "woman" is pronounced /ˈwʊmən/, with the stress again on the first syllable. When combined together, "single woman" is pronounced /ˈsɪŋɡəl ˈwʊmən/. The phrase refers to a female individual who is not currently in a committed romantic relationship, and the spelling accurately reflects this meaning.
A single woman refers to an adult female who is not married or in a committed romantic relationship. It describes an individual who is not currently involved in a legally recognized partnership and does not have a spouse or domestic partner. Hence, a single woman typically lives independently and autonomously, with the absence of a permanent life partner.
The term "single" acknowledges the individual's marital status and denotes a state of being unattached or unmarried. It represents a category within society wherein women are self-reliant and maintain personal independence, social connections, and responsibilities without the presence of a long-term romantic partnership.
Single women can encompass various subgroups, such as those who have never been married, those who are divorced or separated, and those who have chosen to remain unmarried. The term does not imply their relationship status, sexual orientation, or desire for a partner but merely highlights their current marital status.
As societal norms and cultural attitudes have evolved, the concept of being single has gained more acceptance and respect, providing women with the freedom to pursue their own goals, careers, and personal growth without the societal pressure of needing a partner to validate their existence. Consequently, being a single woman can be an empowering and liberating state of being that affords women the opportunity to explore their individuality and define their lives on their terms.
The word "single" comes from the Latin word "singulus", which means "one". It entered the English language from the Old French word "sengle" in the 14th century. "Woman" has Old English origins, derived from the Old English word "wīfman", where "wīf" referred to an adult female and "man" meant a person. Over time, the two words "single" and "woman" joined together to form the phrase "single woman", referring to an unmarried female.