Definitions
- Describing a marriage or relationship where one person has multiple spouses or partners. - Talking about a culture or society that allows or practices polygamy. - Referring to an animal species where one male mates with multiple females.
- Describing a marriage or relationship where one man has multiple wives. - Talking about a culture or society that allows or practices polygyny. - Referring to an animal species where one male mates with multiple females.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe relationships where one person (usually male) has multiple partners.
- 2Both words can refer to human or animal behavior.
- 3Both words are related to the concept of polygamy.
What is the difference?
- 1Gender: Polygamous is gender-neutral, while polygynous specifically refers to a man having multiple wives.
- 2Usage: Polygamous can refer to any type of polygamous relationship, while polygynous specifically refers to a man having multiple wives.
- 3Culture: Polygamous is more commonly used in Western cultures, while polygynous is more commonly used in cultures where polygyny is practiced.
- 4Connotation: Polygamous can have a negative connotation in some contexts, while polygynous is more neutral.
Remember this!
Polygamous and polygynous are synonyms that describe relationships where one person has multiple partners. However, polygamous is a gender-neutral term that can refer to any type of polygamous relationship, while polygynous specifically refers to a man having multiple wives. Polygamous is more commonly used in Western cultures, while polygynous is more commonly used in cultures where polygyny is practiced.
