A wife is a woman who is married. Marriage is a formal commitment where people promise to share their lives together as partners and family.

The role of a wife has changed dramatically throughout history. In many past societies, wives had few legal rights. Today, wives in most modern countries have the same legal rights as their husbands. They pursue careers, make family decisions together with their partners, and share responsibilities for running their households.

A wife might be a doctor, teacher, engineer, or artist. She might work outside the home, work from home, or focus on raising children. What matters most is that she and her spouse work as a team, supporting each other through challenges and celebrating successes together.

The opposite of wife is husband. Together, a married couple builds a life based on trust, respect, and partnership.