Polygamy - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Polygamy is the practice of having more than one spouse at the same time. It can refer to polygyny (one man with multiple wives) or polyandry (one woman with multiple husbands).
Definition:
The practice of having more than one spouse at the same time.
Synonyms:
bigamy, plural marriage, polyandry, polygyny
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
monogamy, celibacy
Common Collocations:
practice polygamy, legalize polygamy, polygamy laws, polygamy culture
Derivatives:
polygamist, polygamous
Usage Tips:
Use "polygamy" to describe multiple marriages; distinguish from "bigamy," which specifically means two spouses.
Common Phrases:
plural marriage, multiple spouses, polygamous union
Etymology:
From Greek "poly-" (many) + "-gamos" (marriage), meaning the practice of multiple marriages.
Examples:
- 1. Polygamy is illegal in many countries worldwide.
- 2. Some cultures historically practiced polygamy for social and economic reasons.
- 3. The debate over legalizing polygamy continues in some regions.
- 4. Polygamy differs from monogamy by allowing multiple spouses simultaneously.