Word: Exogamy
Definition:Exogamy is a noun that refers to the practice of marrying someone from a different tribe, group, or social background than your own. This practice is often required by custom or law in some cultures.
Usage Instructions: You can use "exogamy" when discussing marriage practices in different cultures or when talking about social rules regarding relationships. It is a formal term, so it's often used in academic or sociological contexts.
Example Sentence: "In many indigenous cultures, exogamy is practiced to strengthen alliances between different tribes."
Advanced Usage:Exogamy can also be discussed in the context of its effects on social structures, genetic diversity, and cultural exchange. For example, you might explore how exogamous marriages can lead to new customs or the blending of two distinct cultures.
Word Variants: - Exogamous (adjective): Pertaining to or characterized by exogamy. - Example: "The exogamous practices of the community promote diversity." - Exogamist (noun): A person who practices or supports exogamy. - Example: "As an exogamist, she believes in the benefits of marrying outside her cultural background."
Different Meanings:While "exogamy" specifically refers to marriage practices, the prefix "exo-" generally means "outside" or "external," which can be found in other words with different meanings, such as "exoskeleton" (the external skeleton of some animals).
Synonyms: - Outmarriage - Intermarriage (though this can refer to both exogamy and endogamy, which is marrying within one’s group)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "exogamy," but you might encounter phrases like "marrying outside one's community," which conveys a similar idea.
In Summary:Exogamy is an important concept in understanding different marriage customs around the world.