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Adultery

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. Voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone who is not their spouse.
2. A breach of the marital vow of exclusivity and fidelity.
3. A term used in legal contexts to describe an act that can be grounds for divorce in some jurisdictions.

History and Origin

The word “adultery” comes from the Latin adulterium, meaning “corruption” or “dishonesty,” and is derived from adulterare, meaning “to corrupt” or “to defile.” The term has been in use since the Middle Ages and is rooted in religious and cultural prohibitions against extramarital sex. Historically, adultery was seen as a serious violation of social, moral, and legal norms, often with severe consequences for those involved.

Detailed Explanation

Adultery refers to sexual relations between a married person and someone who is not their spouse, violating the commitment of fidelity that is central to most marital relationships. The act is considered a moral wrongdoing in many societies and is illegal in some countries, where it can serve as grounds for divorce or other legal actions. While the definition primarily refers to sexual conduct, adultery can also be used more broadly to describe any form of betrayal or infidelity in a marriage. The impact of adultery can be significant, leading to emotional distress, the breakdown of relationships, and changes in legal and financial obligations, such as the division of assets or custody of children.

Example Sentences

1. The couple’s marriage ended after allegations of adultery were made.
2. Adultery is considered a serious offense in many religious traditions.
3. His adultery destroyed the trust his wife had in him.
4. She filed for divorce after discovering her husband’s adultery.
5. Adultery can have profound emotional and legal consequences for both parties involved.
6. In some cultures, adultery is a punishable offense under the law.
7. He admitted to his act of adultery but claimed it was a momentary lapse in judgment.
8. Adultery can complicate child custody decisions in divorce proceedings.
9. They tried to rebuild their marriage after the adultery, but trust was never fully restored.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Infidelity – The act of being unfaithful in a relationship, often used interchangeably with adultery.
2. Betrayal – The violation of trust or confidence, often used in the context of marital relationships.
3. Cheating – A colloquial term referring to infidelity or adultery, often involving deceit.
4. Unfaithfulness – The state of not being loyal or faithful to one’s partner in a marriage.
5. Extramarital affair – A romantic or sexual relationship outside of marriage, commonly associated with adultery.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Divorce – The legal dissolution of a marriage, which may result from adultery in many legal systems.
2. Cuckold – A man whose wife has committed adultery, historically associated with shame and dishonor.
3. Fidelity – The quality of being faithful to a partner, the opposite of adultery.
4. Separation – A temporary or permanent living arrangement where spouses live apart, sometimes due to adultery.
5. Cheating spouse – A spouse who engages in adultery, often used in discussions of marital infidelity.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Affair – A romantic or sexual relationship outside of a marriage, often used to describe adultery.
2. Lust – Intense sexual desire, sometimes a factor driving adultery.
3. Dishonesty – The act of lying or being deceitful, often linked to the secrecy surrounding adultery.
4. Deception – The act of misleading a partner about one’s actions, commonly associated with adultery.
5. Trust issues – Problems with trusting a partner, often resulting from or leading to adultery.

Antonyms

1. Faithfulness
2. Loyalty
3. Monogamy
4. Commitment
5. Exclusivity