Definition and Pronunciation
Plural marriage is a marriage involving more than two spouses, in which one person is married to multiple spouses simultaneously. The term is commonly used as a synonym for polygamy, although in some historical, religious, or cultural contexts it may refer to specific forms of polygamous marriage.
Pronunciation: PLOOR-uhl MAR-ij
Easy Explanation
Plural marriage is a type of marriage in which one person has more than one spouse at the same time. The two main forms of plural marriage are:
- Polygyny – one man is married to two or more women.
- Polyandry – one woman is married to two or more men.
Plural marriage is different from polyamory, which involves consensualromantic relationships among multiple people but does not necessarily involve marriage.
Grammatical Formation
- Part of speech: Noun
- Plural form: Plural marriages
- Related terms: Polygamy, polygyny, polyandry, monogamy
Word Comparisons
Plural Marriage vs. Polygamy
Polygamy is the general term for marriage involving more than two spouses. Plural marriage is often used interchangeably with polygamy, although some religious or cultural communities prefer the term plural marriage.
Plural Marriage vs. Polygyny
Polygyny is a specific type of plural marriage in which one man has multiple wives.
Plural Marriage vs. Polyandry
Polyandry is a specific type of plural marriage in which one woman has multiple husbands.
Plural Marriage vs. Polyamory
Plural marriage refers to a marital relationship involving multiple spouses. Polyamory involves consensual romantic relationships with multiple partners and does not necessarily include marriage.
Connotations
The term plural marriage has a neutral legal, historical, and anthropological meaning. It is frequently used in discussions of family law, comparative religion, sociology, and cultural traditions.
Meaning with Prepositions
Plural marriage in
Example: Plural marriage has existed in some societies throughout history.
Plural marriage among
Example: Researchers have studied plural marriage among different cultural groups.
Plural marriage under
Example: Plural marriage is prohibited under the laws of many countries.
Plural marriage as
Example: Some communities view plural marriage as part of their religious tradition.
Real-Life Examples
Plural marriage has been practiced in various parts of the world under different cultural, customary, or religious traditions. Today, many countries legally recognize only monogamous marriage, while some jurisdictions permit certain forms of plural marriage under specific legal or religious systems.
Synonyms
- Polygamy (general synonym)
- Plural union (less common)
- Multiple-spouse marriage (descriptive phrase)
Antonyms
- Monogamy
- Monogamous marriage
Related Terms
- Polygamy
- Polygyny
- Polyandry
- Monogamy
- Polyamory
- Marriage
- Spouse
- Husband
- Wife
- Family
- Family law
- Anthropology
- Culture
- Religion
- Humansexuality
Common Collocations
- Plural marriage
- Plural marriage system
- Plural marriage practice
- Plural marriage tradition
- Plural marriage laws
- Plural marriage rights
- Plural marriage community
- Plural marriage recognition
- Plural marriage customs
- Plural marriage and religion
- Plural marriage research
- Plural marriage debate
Idiomatic and Figurative Usage
Plural marriage is a legal and anthropological term. It has no established idiomatic or figurative meaning.
Sample Sentences
- Plural marriage involves more than two spouses.
- Polygyny and polyandry are forms of plural marriage.
- The legal status of plural marriage varies around the world.
- Most countries legally recognize only monogamous marriage.
- Researchers study plural marriage in anthropology and sociology.
- Marriage customs differ across cultures and historical periods.
- Family laws determine whether plural marriage is legally recognized.
- Understanding plural marriage helps explain different family structures.
Connection to Sexuality
Plural marriage is a marital and family structure, not a sexual orientation or gender identity. It describes a legal, cultural, or religious form of marriage rather than whom a person is romantically or sexually attracted to.
Understanding plural marriage helps distinguish between marital systems, relationship structures, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Learning about different forms of marriage contributes to a broader understanding of family diversity, cultural traditions, and human sexuality.
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