What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bigamist
Example
He was arrested for being a bigamist, as he had married two women without divorcing his first wife. [bigamist: noun]
Example
The court found him guilty of bigamy when they discovered that he had two active marriage certificates. [bigamy: noun]
polygamist
Example
In some cultures, being a polygamist is accepted and even encouraged. [polygamist: noun]
Example
He belongs to a religious group that allows polygamy, so he has three wives. [polygamy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Polygamist is a more commonly used term compared to bigamist. Polygamy is practiced in certain cultures and religions, while bigamy is generally seen as illegal and socially unacceptable in most societies.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bigamist and polygamist?
Both bigamist and polygamist are formal terms used to describe individuals involved in multiple marriages or relationships. However, polygamist may be more commonly used in formal discussions or academic contexts due to its broader cultural and historical significance.
