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monogamic

[ mon-uh-gam-ik ]

adjective



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Word History and Origins

Origin of monogamic1

First recorded in 1830–40; monogam(y) + -ic
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Example Sentences

They have put trees in the streets, and the trees have grown; and, when we observe to a Mormon that we have seen rows of trees similarly growing in even smaller towns of the benighted European continent, he evidently thinks it is our monogamic perversity and prejudice which force us to deny the wondrous works of Mormonism.

The 'substantial' union of hearts makes marriage an indivisible personal bond—monogamic marriage: the bodily conjunction is a sequel to the moral attachment.

To solve this problem, something must be found which will train and elevate the average negro, while the exceptional one is at the industrial school or college, or studying for a profession; something which will check the prevalent reversion away from monogamic family life, and stimulate that life to develop steadily; something also which will impart to this entire mass permanent and strengthening impulse to better its condition.

And he was introduced into the first stage of monogamic life, which he developed steadily and rapidly until he was freed.

It is true in the cordial intimacy of the monogamic bond, the austerity of usage, and the harshness of the laws are often tempered by affection and mutual respect; yet we are aptly reminded by a modern writer on this subject, that the law which remains a dead letter to the refined and cultivated becomes the instrument of the most heartless oppression in the hands of the vulgar and the passionate.

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About This Word

What does monogamic mean?

Monogamic is a less common word for monogamous—having only one spouse, one sexual partner, or (in the case of animals) one mate.

Monogamic is used to describe people and animals that practice monogamy or to describe their relationships or practices. The word monogamy most technically refers to the state or practice of being married to only one person at a time. It is also commonly used in a more general way to refer to the state of being in a romantic or sexual relationship with only one person at a time. Less commonly, monogamy can mean the practice of being married only once throughout one’s life.

In the study of animals, monogamy refers to the practice of having only one mate.

A monogamic person can be called a monogamist. The term can also be applied to a person who advocates for monogamy.

Example: Monogamy may be traditional in our modern society, but monogamic relationships haven’t always been the norm in every culture.

Where does monogamic come from?

The first records of the word monogamic come from around 1840. Its base word, monogamy, comes from the Greek monogamía, from mono-, meaning “single” or “one,” and -gamy, meaning “marriage.” The same root is used in the words bigamous (being married to two people at the same time) and polygamic (being married to more than one person at a time).

Though it has traditionally been associated with marriage, the term monogamic can be used to describe people who are in a sexual relationship with or date only one person at a time. While monogamy is often seen as a traditional norm of human relationships, especially in Western cultures, not everyone shares this view. The phrase serial monogamy refers to the practice of being married several times in succession, or, more popularly, going from one monogamic long-term relationship to another. A person who does this is sometimes called a serial monogamist. Such terms are often used in a critical way that’s perhaps intended to suggest that monogamy is unnatural or unlikely to lead to fulfillment.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to monogamic?

What are some synonyms for monogamic?

What are some words that share a root or word element with monogamic

What are some words that often get used in discussing monogamic?

How is monogamic used in real life?

Monogamic is typically used in the same way as monogamous, but it’s used much less commonly.

 

 

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