monogamous

Definitions

mono- (one) + gam (Greek gamos, 'marriage') + -ous (adj.) = having one partner. The adjective uses the -gamous ending rather than -gamy; its opposite, polygamous, just swaps poly- 'many' onto the same -gam stem.

Why It Means This

Worth noting that this adjective lives a double life. Said of people it describes a marriage or relationship system; said of animals it is a precise zoological term — 'swans are monogamous' means they pair with one mate, often for life. The gam root sits equally at home in anthropology and in biology.

Common Collocations

• 1.monogamous relationship一夫一妻关系
• 2.monogamous partner唯一伴侣
• 3.strictly monogamous严格单配的
• 4.monogamous species单配物种

Example Sentences

• 1.

  They are in a committed monogamous relationship.

• 2.

  Swans are famously monogamous, often pairing for life.

• 3.

  Not every culture expects people to be monogamous.