Learn English – Does “uxorious” have sexual connotations

connotation

I understand the literal meaning of uxorious, but does it have sexual implications? That is, does it just mean that one is excessively devoted to one’s wife, or does it imply excessive sexual interest in her?

For example, Lord Byron wrote:

The same things change their names at such a rate;
For instance—passion in a lover’s glorious,
But in a husband is pronounced uxorious.

There it seems to carry a possibly sexual tone, but I’ve seen other cases where it doesn’t.

Best Answer

I don't think there are any sexual connotations to the word. But it does invariably imply a degree of condemnation. An uxorious man isn't just very devoted to his wife, which might be said approvingly. It means (in the opinion of the speaker, at least) that he's excessively devoted.