“Monogamy” is the state or practice of being married to, or in a relationship with, only one partner at a time. It is the counterpart to polygamy, which involves more than one partner. The concept appears in discussions of relationships, marriage law, and anthropology, and its core meaning is simply “one partner at a time.”
What does monogamy mean?
According to Merriam-Webster, monogamy is the state or custom of being married to only one person at a time, and it also refers to having only one partner during a given period. The related adjective “monogamous” describes a person or relationship characterized by this pattern. In everyday language, saying a relationship is monogamous means the partners are committed exclusively to each other.
How is monogamy different from polygamy?
The clearest contrast is with polygamy, the practice of having multiple spouses or partners at the same time. Where monogamy centers on a single exclusive pairing, polygamy involves more than one. Discussions of relationship structures also mention terms like “serial monogamy,” which describes a series of exclusive relationships one after another rather than at the same time.
Where does the word come from?
Monogamy comes from Greek roots meaning “one marriage.” That origin is reflected directly in the word: “mono” for one and a root relating to marriage. As dictionaries and reference works note, the term is used across several contexts, including social, marital, and biological ones, and its precise emphasis can vary by field.
How is monogamy used across different fields?
The word appears in more than one setting, and the shade of meaning shifts slightly with context:
- In everyday relationships, it means an exclusive commitment between two partners.
- In law, it refers to marriage systems that permit only one spouse at a time.
- In anthropology and biology, it describes mating patterns involving a single partner.
Is marriage legally monogamous?
In many countries, marriage law is monogamous, meaning a person may be legally married to only one spouse at a time. In the United States, for example, marriage is legally monogamous, and being married to more than one person simultaneously is not permitted. Other cultures and legal systems have historically recognized other arrangements, which is why anthropologists study a range of marriage customs worldwide.
Researchers also draw a distinction between social monogamy and sexual monogamy, especially when studying animals. Social monogamy refers to a pair living together and cooperating, for example to raise offspring, while sexual monogamy refers to mating exclusively with one partner. In many species these do not perfectly overlap, which is one reason scientists treat the term carefully and specify which kind of monogamy they mean.
In summary, monogamy is a neutral term for having a single partner or spouse at a time. It stands opposite polygamy, comes from Greek words meaning “one marriage,” and shows up in everyday relationship talk, legal definitions of marriage, and scientific studies of mating patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does monogamy mean?
It is the practice of being married to, or partnered with, only one person at a time.
What is the opposite of monogamy?
Polygamy, which is the practice of having more than one spouse or partner at the same time.
Where does the word monogamy come from?
From Greek roots meaning "one marriage."
Is marriage legally monogamous?
In many countries, including the United States, the law permits only one spouse at a time.