monogynous

9.9

A system where a man has only one wife at a time, even if he has other partners

adjective
/məˈnɒɡɪnəs/

Specialized

: monógamo

The tribal leader adhered to a monogynous system, taking only one chief wife but several concubines.

Examples

Historically, some societies practiced monogynous marriage, distinguishing the legal wife from secondary partners.
A monogynous household had clear rules about inheritance and succession.
John prefers a monogynous relationship.
In many cultures, a monogynous marriage is the norm.
In many cultures, a monogynous marriage is the norm.
Historically, some societies practiced monogynous marriage, distinguishing the legal wife from secondary partners.
The tribal leader adhered to a monogynous system, taking only one chief wife but several concubines.

Synonyms

monogynic

vsmonogynous

Specialized

9.9

A group that has only one main wife or queen

has identical meaning but uses a different adjective ending

Antonyms

polygynous

1 9.9

A social system where a male has more than one female partner at the same time

Surface Forms

monogynous positive

Morphology

monogynous = monogyny (opaque) = mono + gyn + ous

The word is built with the combining forms mono- and gyn- plus -ous, but the gyn- element is not transparent to most learners and the marital sense is specialized.

Etymology

Monogynous combines mono- 'one' and -gynous 'woman', similar to monogamy. It describes a system where a man has only one wife at a time, so the roots show 'one woman'.