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Meaning & use

monogamous

adjective·Academic

Last updated

UK/məˈnɒɡəməs/
US/məˈnɑːɡəməs/

Meanings

  1. adjectivenot comparable

    Having only one sexual partner or spouse at a time.

    Grammar: Used to describe a person or their relationship; it is not usually graded (not 'more monogamous' in this sense).

    Patterns

    • a monogamous relationship
    • be monogamous
    • remain monogamous

    They have been in a monogamous relationship for over ten years.

    Some people choose to be monogamous, while others prefer open relationships.

    In many cultures, marriage is expected to be monogamous.

  2. adjectivenot comparablebiologytechnical

    Of an animal species: forming a lasting pair bond with a single mate.

    Grammar: Used in biology to describe species that mate with only one partner.

    Patterns

    • a monogamous species
    • monogamous birds
    • be monogamous

    Swans are often cited as an example of a monogamous species.

    Many birds are socially monogamous but may not be genetically monogamous.

    The study examined the mating habits of monogamous mammals.

Common combinations

monogamous relationship
They agreed to have a monogamous relationship.
monogamous species
The penguin is a monogamous species that mates for life.
remain monogamous
Some couples choose to remain monogamous throughout their marriage.
socially monogamous
Many bird species are socially monogamous, meaning they raise young together.

Synonyms and how they differ

faithful
Focuses on loyalty and not having other partners, but can also mean loyal in a general sense; 'monogamous' specifically refers to having only one partner.
exclusive
Often used in dating to mean not seeing anyone else, similar to monogamous, but can also refer to other types of exclusivity.

Opposites

polygamouspromiscuous

Word family

monogamy noun
The practice or state of having only one partner at a time.
monogamously adverb
In a monogamous manner.
monogamist noun
A person who practices monogamy.

Commonly confused: monogamous or monotonous? monogamous or polygamous?

monogamous vs monotonous

Sounds similar but means boring and repetitive, not having one partner.

monogamous vs polygamous

The opposite: having more than one spouse or partner at the same time.

Practice

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