BIGAMOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Bigamous is an adjective that refers to a person who has entered into marriage with someone while already being lawfully married to another spouse. This term is derived from the combination of the prefix "bi-" meaning "two," and the word "gamus," which is derived from the Greek word "gamos" meaning "marriage." It is crucial to note that bigamy is considered illegal in numerous jurisdictions and is generally seen as a form of marital misconduct or wrongful behavior.
A bigamous individual willingly and knowingly engages in a second marriage without obtaining a legal divorce or annulment from their existing spouse. The act of bigamy is characterized by intentional deceit, as it is usually concealed from both partners involved. This intentional deception may result in severe legal consequences, as it violates the laws surrounding marriage and poses emotional harm to the deceived parties.
Different jurisdictions have varying laws concerning bigamy, but generally, it is deemed a criminal offense. Legal penalties for being convicted of bigamy can include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the jurisdiction. Furthermore, any subsequent marriages that took place while the individual was still married to another person will be considered null and void.
Bigamy is distinct from polygamy, which refers to the practice of having multiple spouses simultaneously with their consent. In bigamy, there is an absence of consent from the existing spouse, while polygamy can encompass both simultaneous and sequential multiple marriages with the consent of all involved parties.
Common Misspellings for BIGAMOUS
Etymology of BIGAMOUS
The word bigamous comes from the Latin word bigamus, which is a combination of bi- meaning two and gamos meaning marriage. Therefore, the etymology of bigamous directly translates to having two marriages or being married twice.
Similar spelling words for BIGAMOUS
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