What is the true meaning of polygamy?

polygamy, marriage to more than one spouse at a time. The most typical forms of polygamy have been polygyny, in which cowives share a husband, or polyandry, in which cohusbands share a wife. However, same-sex marriage may instigate new forms of polygamy.

What is the prefix of polygamous?

Etymology. Recorded since 1591, from Late Latin polygamia, from Ancient Greek πολυγαμία (polugamía), itself from πολύγαμος (polúgamos, “married to many”), from πολύς (polús, “many”) + γάμος (gámos, “marriage”). Relates to modern prefix and suffix poly- +‎ -gamy.

What is the origin of polygyny?

polygyny (n.) 1780, “condition of having many wives, marriage or cohabitation of one man with more than one woman at the same time,” from Greek polygynēs “having many wives,” from polys “many” (see poly-) + gynē “woman, wife” (from PIE root *gwen- “woman”). Related: Polygynous.

What does the prefix poly -‘ in the word polygamy mean?

many
Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The origin of the prefix poly- is from an ancient Greek word which meant “many.” This prefix appears in, well, “many” English vocabulary words, such as polysyllabic, polyhedron, and Polynesia.

What Bible says about polygamy?

John Gill comments on 1 Corinthians 7 and states that polygamy is unlawful; and that one man is to have but one wife, and to keep to her; and that one woman is to have but one husband, and to keep to him and the wife only has a power over the husband’s body, a right to it, and may claim the use of it: this power over …

Is multi a root or prefix?

The English prefix multi- means “many.” Examples using this prefix include multivitamin and multiplication. An easy way to remember that the prefix multi- means “many” is to think about being super rich, for if you were a multimillionaire, you would have “many” millions of dollars!

What is the root word of synonym?

synonym (n.) and directly from Late Latin synonymum, from Greek synonymon “word having the same sense as another,” noun use of neuter of synonymos “having the same name as, synonymous,” from syn- “together, same” (see syn-) + onyma, Aeolic dialectal form of onoma “name” (from PIE root *no-men- “name”).

When was polygamy created?

1830
Beginning of polygamy Founded by Joseph Smith in 1830, the Mormon movement from its beginnings offered a unique perspective on the religious role of men.

What culture practices polygyny?

While polygyny has been a widespread historical occurrence, it has never been a majority experience or complete norm within any society. It was accepted in ancient Hebrew society, in classical China, and in Islam. It has also been accepted in many traditional African and Polynesian cultures.

What root means poly?

many, much
word-forming element meaning “many, much, multi-, one or more,” from Greek polys “much” (plural polloi), from PIE root *pele- (1) “to fill,” with derivatives referring to multitudinousness or abundance.

What does the root word Poly mean?

poly- combining form. Definition of poly- (Entry 3 of 3) 1 : many : several : much : multi- polychotomous polygyny. 2a : containing an indefinite number more than one of a (specified) substance polysulfide.

Why does polygamy exist?

Why Do People Practice Polygamy? There are many reasons that people may engage in polygamy. These reasons may be religious or societal purposes, including stability, security, companionship, economic resources, reproduction, or love. Historically, polygamy was practiced to protect widows and orphans during war times.

What is the root word of multi?

What does the root word Multi mean?

Definition of multi- 1a : many : multiple : much multivalent. b : more than two multilateral. c : more than one multiparous multibillion.