bigamy — the practice of marrying while already married to another person
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the practice of marrying while already married to another person
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈbɪɡəmi/
Example Sentences
- The soap opera plot involved bigamy, amnesia, and a twin brother - classic daytime drama!
- Bigamy is illegal in most countries and can result in criminal prosecution.
- She discovered her husband's bigamy when his other wife showed up at their anniversary dinner.
bigamy
NOUN[/ˈbɪɡəmi/]
the practice of marrying while already married to another person
He was arrested for bigamy when both wives showed up at his birthday party.
From monogamy to polygamy, bigamy breaks the law!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Bigamy derives from Latin 'bis' (two) combined with Greek 'gamos' (marriage), literally meaning 'two marriages.' The term emerged in legal and ecclesiastical contexts to denote the act of marrying a second time while a first spouse is still living, thereby violating monogamous marriage laws.
Breakdown
bi- (two, from Latin bis) + -gamy (marriage, from Greek gamos). The suffix -gamy is commonly used in English to form words related to marriage or mating practices.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The soap opera plot involved bigamy, amnesia, and a twin brother - classic daytime drama!”
“Bigamy is illegal in most countries and can result in criminal prosecution.”
“She discovered her husband's bigamy when his other wife showed up at their anniversary dinner.”
“The comedian joked that bigamy means having one spouse too many - but then again, so does monogamy!”
📚Related Words
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