Multiple marriages is spelled as /mʌlˈtɪpl̩ ˈmærɪdʒɪz/. The first part of the word, "multiple", is spelled with a short ‘u’ sound, followed by the letters ‘l’ and ‘t’, and another short ‘i’ sound with a schwa sound after the ‘p’. The second part of the word, "marriages", is spelled with a short ‘a’ sound, followed by the letters ‘r’ and ‘i’, and another short ‘a’ sound with a voiced ‘j’ sound at the end. This term refers to the status of having had multiple partners in a marriage or marriage-like relationship.
Multiple marriages refer to the practice of an individual entering into more than one legally recognized marriage over the course of their lifetime. This term typically applies when a person has been through multiple marriage ceremonies, with each marriage involving a different spouse.
In many cultures and legal systems, monogamy is the accepted norm, where individuals typically engage in only one marriage at a time. However, multiple marriages may be permitted and recognized under certain conditions, typically when a previous marriage has ended due to divorce, annulment, or death of a spouse. This concept is distinct from polygamy, which involves a person having multiple spouses simultaneously, and is generally illegal in many jurisdictions.
The reasons for multiple marriages can vary. Some individuals may enter into subsequent marriages due to factors such as the desire for companionship, romantic love, or the wish to have children. Additionally, divorce rates have increased in many societies, leading to a rise in the number of people who choose to remarry after the dissolution of their previous marriage.
Legal systems and cultural norms regarding multiple marriages vary across countries and may be subject to specific regulations. Some societies may have more liberal attitudes towards multiple marriages, allowing individuals to have multiple legal spouses concurrently or consecutively. In contrast, other societies strictly enforce monogamy, prohibiting individuals from engaging in more than one marriage at a time.
The word "multiple" originated from the Latin word "multiplex", which is a combination of "multus" (many) and "plex" (folded, twisted). It entered the English language in the 17th century and has since been used to describe something that has many parts or elements.
"Marriage" comes from the Old French word "marier" (to marry) which is ultimately derived from the Latin word "maritare" (to wed), related to "maritus" (husband) and "uxor" (wife). The term "marriage" has been used in the English language since the 13th century and refers to the union of two individuals recognized by law as partners in a personal relationship.
The phrase "multiple marriages" simply combines these two words to describe the situation where an individual has been married to multiple partners over the course of their life.