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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Couple: Definition, Common Uses & Differences (3 meaning)

Meaning 1：a few (couple)

couple 🔊
/ˈkʌpəl/
n.
A small number of things, usually two or a few.
Couple meaning a few illustrated by two red apples in a basket.
a few 🔊
➕
/ə fjuː/
n.
Refers to a small, indefinite number of items, typically around two.
📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'copula', meaning 'link' or 'bond'.
💡 Mnemonic
Couple sounds like 'cuddle', which two people often do together.
📖 Example
After the meeting, I need to run a couple of errands downtown. 🔊 After the meeting, I need to run a couple of errands downtown.
🔗 Collocations
a couple of – a small number of, typically two
in a couple – within a short time, soon
couple with – to combine or link with something
🔄 Synonyms
few (n.) – a small number of something
several (n.) – more than two but not many
pair (n.) – two things that are matched or used together
🚫 Antonyms
many (n.) – a large number of things
numerous (adj.) – existing in large numbers
🌱 Derivatives
coupling (n.) – a device that connects two things together
📖 Cultural Story
Derives from Old French 'cople', from Latin 'copula' (bond). Originally for joined items, now denotes a pair or small number.

Meaning 2：a matched pair (couple)

couple 🔊
/ˈkʌpəl/
n.
Two things that are the same or go together, or two people doing something together.
Couple as a matched pair shown by two identical white coffee mugs.
a matched pair 🔊
➕
/ə mætʃt pɛər/
n.
Two items that are identical or complement each other, often used together.
📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example
I bought a couple of matching coffee mugs as a housewarming gift. 🔊 I bought a couple of matching coffee mugs as a housewarming gift.
🔗 Collocations
a couple of – two items that are similar or go together
couple with – to combine or link two things
dynamic couple – a pair that works well together, often in performance
🔄 Synonyms
pair (n.) – two things that are matched or used together
duo (n.) – a pair of people or things, especially in music or performance
twosome (n.) – two people considered as a pair
🚫 Antonyms
single (n.) – one individual item or person

Meaning 3：a romantic pair (couple)

couple 🔊
/ˈkʌpəl/
n.
Two people who are married or in a romantic relationship together.
Couple meaning a romantic pair, a happy duo walking in a park.
a romantic pair 🔊
➕
/ə roʊˈmæntɪk pɛər/
n.
Two people who are married or in a committed romantic relationship.
📁 Category：Social Roles 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example
The young couple is saving money to buy their first home. 🔊 The young couple is saving money to buy their first home.
🔗 Collocations
married couple – a husband and wife together
couple therapy – counseling for partners in a relationship
power couple – a couple where both individuals are highly successful
🔄 Synonyms
pair (n.) – two people in a relationship
duo (n.) – a pair, often used informally for couples
partners (n.) – people who share a relationship or activity together
🚫 Antonyms
single (n.) – an unmarried or unattached person
🌱 Derivatives
coupling (n.) – the act of forming a pair or relationship
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