polygamie
/pɔ.li.ɡa.mi/feminine
Polygamy in French is polygamie.
polygamie refers to the practice of having multiple socially bonded sexual partners at the same time. In legal contexts, the more formal term Pluralité conjugale may be used to describe a person being married to multiple partners.
Meaning: the having of a plurality of socially bonded sexual partners at the same time (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
polygamie is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables: /pɔ.li.ɡa.mi/.
Did you know?
- In French discourse, polygamie is often discussed in the context of laïcité, the strict separation of church and state, as it intersects with debates over religious freedom and national law.
- Unlike English, where 'polygamy' is frequently used as a blanket term, French speakers are more likely to use the precise terms polygyne for one man with multiple wives and polyandre for one woman with multiple husbands.
- In France, the practice of polygamie is not just discouraged but is a criminal offense under the Penal Code, even if the marriages were legally contracted in another country.
Examples in context
- Nous n'avons pas de polygamie au Japon, mon cher.We don't have polygamy in Japan, dear.This sentence illustrates how to mention the absence of polygamie in a specific country.Tatoeba #3659759 by THURET, translation #328461 by fcbond
- Les mormons ont proscrit la polygamie, mais certains partisans la pratiquent toujours.The Mormons have outlawed polygamy, but some adherents still practice it.This sentence describes the practice of polygamie in relation to certain groups.Tatoeba #801234 by sacredceltic, translation #723194 by darinmex
- Dans certaines régions d'Afrique, la polygamie est une pratique culturellement acceptée.In some parts of Africa, polygamy is a culturally accepted practice.
- Elle croit en la liberté de choisir la polygamie comme mode de vie.She believes in the freedom to choose polygamy as a way of life.
- La polygamie est interdite par la loi française.Polygamy is forbidden by French law.
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are discussing a documentary they just watched.
- NathanLe documentaire parlait de la polygamie dans certaines cultures.The documentary was talking about polygamy in certain cultures.
- EmmaOui, c'était un sujet très complexe.Yes, it was a very complex subject.
- NathanEst-ce que tu as trouvé ça intéressant ?Did you find that interesting?
- EmmaOui, c'était fascinant de voir leurs traditions.Yes, it was fascinating to see their traditions.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “polygamy” translations and entries polygamie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
