Main Difference
The main difference between Wife and Spouse is that the Wife is a female spouse and Spouse is a partner in a marriage, civil union, domestic partnership or common-law marriage
Wife
A wife is a female partner in a continuing marital relationship.
The term continues to be applied to a woman who has separated from her partner, and ceases to be applied to such a woman only when her marriage has come to an end, following a legally recognized divorce or the death of her spouse. On the death of her partner, a wife is referred to as a widow, but not after she is divorced from her partner.
The rights and obligations of a wife in relation to her partner and her status in the community and in law vary between cultures and have varied over time.
Spouse
A spouse is a significant other in a marriage, civil union, or common-law marriage. The term is gender neutral, whereas a male spouse is a husband and a female spouse is a wife. Although a spouse is a form of significant other, the latter term also includes non-marital partners who play a social role similar to that of a spouse, but do not have rights and duties reserved by law to a spouse.
Wife (noun)
A married woman, especially in relation to her spouse.
Wife (noun)
The female of a pair of mated animals.
“A new wife for the gander is introduced into the pen.”
Wife (noun)
synonym of woman.{{R:Century 1911}}
Spouse (noun)
A person in a marriage or marital relationship.
“People should treat their spouses with respect.”
Spouse (verb)
To wed; to espouse.
Spouse (noun)
a husband or wife, considered in relation to their partner.