Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'polygamy'

English Word: polygamy

Key Russian Translations:

• полигамия [pəlɪˈɡamɪjə] - [Formal]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday conversation but appears in academic, legal, or sociological discussions.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of abstract concepts and formal vocabulary, as per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

полигамия: [pəlɪˈɡamɪjə]

Note on полигамия: The stress falls on the third syllable ('ɡam-'), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to differences in Russian stress patterns. Pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: The practice of having more than one spouse at the same time, often in a marital or cultural context.

Translation(s) & Context:

• полигамия - Used in formal, legal, academic, or sociological contexts to describe the institution or practice.

Usage Examples:

• В некоторых культурах полигамия является традиционной формой брака.

  In some cultures, polygamy is a traditional form of marriage.

• Правительства многих стран запрещают полигамию по закону.

  Governments in many countries prohibit polygamy by law.

• Социологи изучают полигамию как социальное явление в исторических обществах.

  Sociologists study polygamy as a social phenomenon in historical societies.

• В некоторых религиях полигамия допускалась в прошлом, но теперь она редко практикуется.

  In some religions, polygamy was permitted in the past, but it is rarely practiced now.

• Обсуждение полигамии в СМИ часто вызывает споры о правах и этике.

  Discussion of polygamy in the media often sparks debates about rights and ethics.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Полигамия" is a feminine noun of the first declension (ending in -ия). It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns for case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word is invariant in terms of gender and does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • многожёнство (specifically refers to polygyny, where a man has multiple wives; differs from полигамия by focusing on gender-specific forms)
• Antonyms:
  • моногамия (monogamy; used in contexts contrasting single-partner relationships)

Related Phrases:

• легализация полигамии - Legalization of polygamy (refers to the process of making it lawful in certain jurisdictions).
• практика полигамии - Practice of polygamy (describes the actual implementation in societies or cultures).
• традиционная полигамия - Traditional polygamy (highlights cultural or historical customs).

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "полигамия" directly corresponds to the English "polygamy" and is typically used in formal or academic settings. It is not common in everyday speech, so English speakers should reserve it for discussions on law, sociology, or history. Be mindful of the context: in Russia, polygamy is illegal and culturally uncommon, which may influence its connotation. When choosing between synonyms like "многожёнство," opt for "полигамия" for gender-neutral discussions. Grammatically, it functions as a standard feminine noun, so ensure correct case agreement in sentences.

Common Errors:

• Common Error: Confusing "полигамия" with "многомужество" (polyandry, where a woman has multiple husbands). Incorrect: "В этой культуре полигамия означает, что женщина имеет нескольких мужей." Correct: "В этой культуре многомужество означает, что женщина имеет нескольких мужей." Explanation: "Полигамия" is a broader term and does not specify gender; always clarify the type of polygamy for accuracy.

• Common Error: Forgetting case inflections, e.g., using the nominative form in all contexts. Incorrect: "О полигамия в истории" (should be genitive). Correct: "О полигамии в истории." Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so pay attention to the sentence structure to avoid grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and society, polygamy is not traditionally practiced and is often viewed through a historical or anthropological lens, such as in studies of ancient societies or certain ethnic groups in Russia. It carries connotations of being outdated or controversial, especially given Russia's legal framework promoting monogamous marriages. Understanding this can help English speakers grasp the subtle stigma or curiosity surrounding the term in modern Russian discourse.

Related Concepts:

• моногамия
• брак
• многомужество
• семейные отношения