polygyny etymology

Etymology: Polygyny is derived from the Greek words: - "poly-" meaning "many" - "gynē" meaning "woman"

Meaning: Polygyny refers to a form of marriage in which a man has multiple wives simultaneously.

Origin: Polygyny has been practiced in various cultures throughout history and across the globe. Its origins are not definitively known, but it is believed to have emerged in societies where economic and social factors made it advantageous for men to have multiple wives. These factors could include:

  • Economic stability: Polygynous marriages could provide men with access to more labor and resources, increasing their economic productivity.
  • Increased reproductive success: Having multiple wives can increase a man's chances of having children, especially in societies where children are highly valued.
  • Social hierarchy: In some societies, polygynous marriages could confer status and social standing on men.
  • Religious beliefs: Some religions and cultures have sanctioned or encouraged polygyny.

It is important to note that polygyny is not universally accepted or practiced. In many countries, it is illegal or socially discouraged.

polygyny relate terms

  • polygamy

    Etymology From Greek polýgamos from polýs many gámos marriage Meaning a

  • poly

    Etymology The word poly comes from the Greek word polys which means many Meaning

  • polygyny

    Etymology Polygyny is derived from the Greek words poly meaning many gynē me

  • androgynous

    Etymology The word androgynous is derived from Ancient Greek ἀνήρ anēr m

  • banshee

    Etymology Old Irish ben síde literally woman of the fairy mound Meaning A

  • gynarchy

    Etymology Greek γυνή gynē woman Greek ἀρχή archē rule authority

  • gyneco

    Etymology The term gyneco is derived from the Greek word γυνή gyne meaning wo

  • gynecology

    Etymology Greek gynaik γυναῖκ meaning woman logy λογία meaning

  • gyno

    Etymology The word gyno is derived from the Greek word γυνή gunē meaning wom

  • polygyny

    Etymology Polygyny is derived from the Greek words poly meaning many gynē me

  • quean

    Etymology The word quean has an uncertain etymology but there are several possible ori

  • queen

    Etymology The word queen originates from the Old English word cwēn which in turn d

  • elite

    Etymology The word elite comes from the French word élite which in turn comes from

  • mirage

    Etymology The word mirage comes from the Latin word mirari meaning to wonder at o

  • hail

    Etymology The word hail comes from the Proto Germanic root hagul meaning hailstone

  • inchoate

    Etymology Late Latin īnchōātus past participle of īnchōāre to begin From Proto

  • crusade

    Etymology Medieval Latin cruciata marked with a cross Late Latin crux cross

  • pilot

    Etymology The word pilot is derived from the Old Provençal word pilote which in tu

  • coroner

    Etymology The word coroner is derived from the Anglo Norman French word corouner whi

  • deliver

    Etymology Latin deferre to bear away bring down Proto Indo European dʰer to