B1noun formal 10K+

Bigamy

UK //ˈbɪɡəmi// US //ˈbɪɡəmi// Pronunciation

Definition

The practice of marrying one person while still legally married to another.

Listen to definition

In simple words: Having two wives or husbands at the same time.

Examples

• He was charged with bigamy after marrying a second wife while still married to his first.
• In some cultures, bigamy is accepted, but in many places, it is illegal.
• Bigamy can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
• She discovered that her husband had a history of bigamy before they married.
• Despite the laws against bigamy, some people still choose to live that lifestyle.

Usage notes

Bigamy is illegal in many countries and considered immoral in most cultures. Use in serious discussions about marriage laws.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Bigamy sounds like 'big' + 'amy' – imagine a big wedding with two Amys.

Collocations

• commit bigamy
• accusation of bigamy
• laws against bigamy

Synonyms

• dual marriage
• double marriage
• bigamist union

Antonyms

• monogamy

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'polygamy' which includes multiple spouses regardless of gender.
• Spelled incorrectly as 'bigomy'.