What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
exogamous
Example
In some cultures, exogamous marriages are encouraged to promote diversity and reduce inbreeding. [exogamous: adjective]
Example
The study found that exogamous mating patterns led to greater genetic diversity in the population. [exogamous: adjective]
heterogamous
Example
Heterogamous reproduction is common in most animals, including humans. [heterogamous: adjective]
Example
The heterogamous flowers of this plant attract a wide range of pollinators. [heterogamous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Exogamous is less common than heterogamous in everyday language. Exogamous is a more specialized term used in anthropology, sociology, and biology, while heterogamous is a more general term used in biology and botany.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between exogamous and heterogamous?
Exogamous is typically associated with a formal and technical tone, while heterogamous can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
