What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bigamy
Example
He was arrested for bigamy after it was discovered that he had two wives. [bigamy: noun]
Example
She found out about her husband's bigamous relationship and filed for divorce. [bigamous: adjective]
polygamy
Example
Polygamy is legal in some countries and practiced by certain religious groups. [polygamy: noun]
Example
He comes from a culture where polygamous marriages are common. [polygamous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Polygamy is a more commonly used term compared to bigamy. Polygamy is a broader concept that encompasses various cultural and religious practices, while bigamy specifically refers to the act of being married to two people simultaneously without their knowledge or consent.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bigamy and polygamy?
Both bigamy and polygamy are formal terms, often used in legal and academic contexts to discuss the practice of having multiple spouses. However, polygamy may be more commonly used in cultural and religious discussions, while bigamy is more focused on the legal implications of the act.
