Defining Word: Single

By Katie Blackburn

Defining Word: Single

1 // When you look up the word “single” in the dictionary, as an adjective, the first definition is “not married; of or relating to celibacy.” This definition, as applied to me, would be used like this: As a single woman, I do not have a husband anymore. That fact comes out of my mouth about as smooth and pleasant as a deep cough from the lungs. That is to say, necessary, and not something I can control; but it is not comfortable at all.

2 // The second definition of single is “unaccompanied by others.” For example, every night I put six children to bed, unaccompanied by others. Every morning I make six children breakfast, unaccompanied by others. I spend my days taking kids to school, the doctor, the pharmacy, the dentist, church, unaccompanied by others. I soothe every tear, break up every fight, answer every question, then sometimes cry myself to sleep. Unaccompanied by others.

3 // What these two definitions have in common is that they both define single in relation to whom or what the subject or object of this word does not have.