Family & Relationships

20 words

1. 1

   make ends meetverb phrase/meɪk ɛndz miːt/

   To earn just enough money to cover basic living expenses.

   “Many young families struggle to make ends meet on a single income.”

2. 2

   arranged marriagenoun phrase/əˈreɪndʒd ˈmærɪdʒ/

   A marriage where the partners are chosen by others (often family) rather than by themselves.

   “Arranged marriages are still common in some cultures.”

3. 3

   generation gapnoun phrase/ˌdʒenəˈreɪʃən gæp/

   Differences in attitudes or values between older and younger generations.

   “a generation gap between parents and teenagers”

4. 4

   set boundariescollocation/sɛt ˈbaʊnd(ə)riz/

   to establish clear limits about acceptable behaviour or responsibilities in a relationship

   “It's healthy for couples to set boundaries about money and privacy.”

5. 5

   mutual understandingcollocation/ˈmjuːtʃuəl ˌʌndəˈstændɪŋ/

   a shared understanding between people about feelings or opinions

   “After a long talk they finally reached a mutual understanding.”

6. 6

   empty nest syndromenoun phrase/ˌɛmpti nɛst ˈsɪndrəʊm/

   The feelings of loneliness or sadness parents may feel when children leave home.

   “Many couples experience empty nest syndrome after their children move abroad.”

7. 7

   foster independencecollocation/ˈfɒstər ɪn.dɪˈpen.dəns/

   to encourage someone to become self-reliant over time

   “Parents should foster independence by giving children small responsibilities.”

8. 8

   traditional gender rolescollocation/trəˈdɪʃənəl ˈdʒendə rəʊlz/

   conventional expectations about what men and women should do

   “Many campaigns aim to challenge traditional gender roles in the workplace.”

9. 9

   sustain a relationshipcollocation/səˈsteɪn ə rɪˈleɪʃənʃɪp/

   to keep a relationship going over time, especially through difficulties

   “Couples need commitment and compromise to sustain a relationship.”

10. 10

    emotional intimacycollocation/ɪˈməʊʃənəl ˈɪntɪməsi/

    the closeness and emotional connection between people

    “Couples who share emotional intimacy tend to communicate more openly.”

11. 11

    cohabiting couplecollocation/kəʊˈhæbɪtɪŋ ˈkʌp(ə)l/

    a couple who live together without being legally married

    “Cohabiting couples may share bills and childcare without formal marriage.”

12. 12

    honeymoon periodnoun phrase/ˈhʌnimuːn ˈpɪəriəd/

    The initial happy phase after starting a relationship, job, or new situation.

    “They were very happy during the honeymoon period after they moved in together.”

13. 13

    marital satisfactioncollocation/ˈmærɪtəl ˌsætɪsˈfækʃ(ə)n/

    how satisfied spouses feel with their marriage

    “Studies link high marital satisfaction to better mental health.”

14. 14

    domestic violencecollocation/dəˈmes.tɪk ˈvaɪ.əl.əns/

    Violence occurring within the home, typically between family members.

    “Policies to prevent domestic violence are a priority for many social services.”

15. 15

    family-friendly policiescollocation/ˌfæm.ə.liˈfrend.li ˈpɒl.ɪ.siːz/

    Policies designed to help employees with family responsibilities, e.g. paid parental leave or flexible hours.

    “Many multinational companies now offer family-friendly policies, such as flexible hours and subsidised childcare.”

16. 16

    marital breakdowncollocation/ˈmær.ɪ.təl ˈbreɪk.daʊn/

    The deterioration or collapse of a marriage, often leading to separation or divorce.

    “Economic stress is often cited as a factor contributing to marital breakdown.”

17. 17

    joint decision-makingcollocation/dʒɔɪnt dɪˈsɪʒ.ənˌmeɪ.kɪŋ/

    The process of making choices together by two or more people, especially in families or teams.

    “Joint decision-making between parents can lead to more consistent child-rearing.”

18. 18

    emotional attachmentcollocation/ɪˈməʊ.ʃən.əl əˈtætʃ.mənt/

    A strong emotional bond or connection between people.

    “Children form an emotional attachment to their primary caregiver during infancy.”

19. 19

    visitation rightsnoun phrase/ˌvɪzɪˈteɪʃən raɪts/

    The legal right for a non-custodial parent or relative to visit a child after separation or divorce.

    “The court granted him supervised visitation rights once a fortnight.”

20. 20

    caregiver supportcollocation/ˈkeəˌɡɪ.vər səˈpɔːt/

    Assistance or services provided to those who care for family members, especially the elderly or disabled.

    “Community centres can offer caregiver support, such as respite services and counselling.”