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Alimony

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. A financial support that one spouse may be required to pay to the other after a divorce or separation.
2. A payment made by a former spouse to support the other, typically after a marriage ends, as ordered by a court.
3. The provision of financial assistance to a spouse who is financially dependent following the dissolution of marriage.

History and Origin

The word “alimony” comes from the Latin alimentum, meaning “nourishment” or “sustenance,” which is derived from alere, meaning “to nourish” or “to feed.” In its early use, alimony referred more generally to the support or maintenance of a dependent. The term has been used in legal contexts since the 14th century, particularly in relation to court-ordered support payments following the end of a marriage.

Detailed Explanation

Alimony refers to a financial obligation that one spouse may have to provide to the other after a divorce or legal separation. This support is typically intended to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a similar standard of living to that which was enjoyed during the marriage. The amount and duration of alimony payments are determined by the court based on various factors, including the length of the marriage, the financial needs and resources of both spouses, and the recipient’s ability to support themselves.

Alimony can take different forms: it may be temporary, permanent, or rehabilitative, depending on the circumstances. Temporary alimony is often awarded during the divorce process, while permanent alimony may be provided if the recipient is unable to support themselves. Rehabilitative alimony is intended to help the recipient gain the skills or education needed to become self-sufficient.

Example Sentences

1. After their divorce, he was required to pay alimony to his ex-wife for five years.
2. The court granted her alimony to help her transition into financial independence.
3. She argued that the alimony payments were too high given her current financial situation.
4. Alimony is not always granted in every divorce case; it depends on the specifics of the situation.
5. The amount of alimony will be reviewed every few years to ensure it remains fair.
6. He received alimony after the divorce, which helped him cover his living expenses.
7. The couple agreed to a reasonable alimony arrangement without needing the court’s intervention.
8. She used the alimony money to pay for her rent and other daily expenses.
9. The judge ruled that alimony should be temporary, as she was expected to become financially stable soon.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Spousal support – Financial assistance provided by one spouse to the other after a divorce.
2. Maintenance – The financial support one spouse may be required to pay to the other following a divorce.
3. Support payments – Regular payments made by one spouse to help the other financially post-divorce.
4. Post-divorce financial aid – Payments made to assist a spouse after the end of a marriage.
5. Separation support – Financial aid provided during or after a separation to help one spouse meet their needs.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Divorce – The legal dissolution of a marriage, which may involve alimony arrangements.
2. Child support – Financial payments made by a parent for the care and maintenance of children after a separation or divorce.
3. Settlement – The agreement between divorcing spouses, which may include provisions for alimony.
4. Prenuptial agreement – A legal contract made before marriage, often outlining alimony provisions in case of divorce.
5. Financial dependency – The condition of relying on someone else for financial support, often a reason for alimony payments.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Court order – A legal directive, such as one for alimony payments, issued by a judge.
2. Temporary support – Short-term alimony provided until the recipient becomes financially independent.
3. Permanent alimony – Ongoing alimony payments made indefinitely, often in long-term marriages.
4. Rehabilitative support – Alimony provided to help a spouse regain the ability to support themselves.
5. Income disparity – A difference in income between spouses, often a factor in determining alimony.

Antonyms

1. Self-sufficiency
2. Independence
3. Autonomy
4. Financial freedom
5. Self-support