Polygamy Meaning

Meaning of the Word

Polygamy refers to the practice or condition of having more than one spouse simultaneously. It is typically used in the context of marriage, where one person has multiple spouses at the same time.

Definitions and Meaning in English

The practice or custom of having more than one wife or husband at the same time.
A marital arrangement in which one person has multiple spouses, typically one man married to several women or one woman married to several men.
A form of marriage that differs from monogamy, where one person is married to only one other person at a time.

History and Origin

The word polygamy comes from the Greek words poly- meaning “many” and gamos meaning “marriage.” The practice itself has been observed in various cultures throughout history, particularly in some African, Middle Eastern, and Asian societies. Polygamy has been common in certain religious and social structures, though it is not universally accepted.

The term began to appear in English around the 17th century, primarily to describe the practice of having multiple wives (polygyny) or husbands (polyandry). While polygyny (one man with multiple wives) is more widespread, polyandry (one woman with multiple husbands) has also existed in certain societies.

Detailed Explanation

Polygamy involves the practice of one individual having more than one spouse at the same time. It can take two main forms:

Polygyny, where one man is married to multiple women, is the more common form.
Polyandry, where one woman is married to multiple men, is less common but exists in some cultures, particularly in parts of Nepal and Tibet.

In many societies, polygamy was historically linked to economic, social, and cultural reasons, such as ensuring a large workforce or maintaining social status. While polygamy is illegal in many countries today, it is still practiced in some cultures and religions, including certain Islamic and African traditions.

In some regions, legal systems recognize polygamous marriages, while in others, they are considered unlawful or socially unacceptable.

Example Sentences

In some cultures, polygamy is still practiced, particularly where it is culturally or religiously accepted.
The legal status of polygamy varies greatly from country to country.
Polygamy has been a controversial topic in societies where monogamy is the norm.
He decided to study the history of polygamy in ancient civilizations for his thesis.
The practice of polygamy was common among wealthy families in medieval Europe.
In some regions, polygamy is permitted under religious laws, though it is not recognized by civil authorities.
She was raised in a community where polygamy was a common practice.
Many people see polygamy as an outdated and unequal system.
The debate about whether polygamy should be legalized continues to spark intense discussions in many countries.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

Bigamy – The act of being married to two people at the same time, which is a form of polygamy (though typically illegal in most places).
Marriage plurality – A term for having multiple spouses, another way to describe polygamy.
Multiple marriages – Refers to the condition of having more than one spouse at a time, synonymous with polygamy.
Concubinage – A historical practice where a man has multiple female partners without the legal status of marriage, sometimes seen as a form of polygamy.
Plural marriage – A term sometimes used to describe polygamy, particularly in religious contexts where it is practiced openly.

Related Words with Short Explanation

Monogamy – The practice of having only one spouse at a time, the opposite of polygamy.
Marriage – The legally or socially sanctioned union of two individuals, often contrasting with polygamy.
Polygyny – A specific form of polygamy in which one man is married to multiple women.
Polyandry – A specific form of polygamy where one woman is married to multiple men.
Cohabitation – Living together as a couple without formal marriage, sometimes viewed as an alternative to polygamy.

More Matches with Short Explanation

Monogamous – Referring to the practice of having one spouse, as opposed to polygamy.
Family structure – The organization and roles within a family, which can vary widely in polygamous societies.
Marriage law – Legal regulations concerning marriage, which often address the legality of polygamy.
Social customs – The practices or traditions of a particular culture, which may include polygamy in certain contexts.
Religious doctrine – The set of beliefs that guide religious practices, some of which may condone or regulate polygamy.

Antonyms

Monogamy – The practice of having only one spouse at a time, the direct opposite of polygamy.
Singleness – The state of being unmarried or having no spouse, contrasting with the concept of having multiple spouses.
Exclusivity – The state of being in an exclusive relationship, often implying the opposite of having multiple spouses.
Equality – A concept sometimes in contrast with polygamy, where multiple spouses might lead to unequal treatment of individuals.
Independence – The state of self-sufficiency, which contrasts with certain social structures that require multiple marriages or partnerships.