What does bigamously mean?
Bigamously is an adverb meaning in a manner that constitutes bigamy: entering a second legal marriage while an earlier marriage is still valid. The word is most often encountered in legal reports, historical accounts, and journalism, where it identifies conduct that may constitute a criminal offense, though the exact law varies by jurisdiction. In many jurisdictions, multiple marriages can be recognized, so the relevant issue is not simply having more than one spouse; it is marrying again while a prior marriage remains legally binding. Bigamously is also used more loosely to describe a secret or fraudulent second wedding, as in novels and biographical narratives. Its derivation is transparent: it combines bigamy with the adverbial ending -ly, and its ultimate roots are Greek elements meaning “twice” and “marriage.” The word is useful because it pinpoints a legal and moral distinction that the broader term polygamy does not: bigamy concerns a prohibited second marriage, whereas polygamy may be lawful.
adverbIn a manner that constitutes bigamy; specifically, by marrying another person while a previous marriage remains legally valid.
- In a manner that constitutes bigamy, especially by entering a second marriage while an earlier marriage remains legally valid.
"The minister was convicted of bigamously marrying his wife while still legally married to another woman."
"The minister was convicted of bigamously marrying his wife while still legally married to another woman."
"Historical novels often portray characters who bigamously marry without revealing that the first marriage remains valid."
Bigamy turns marriage into a “twice-married” trap: Greek bi- means twice, and gamos means marriage.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does bigamously come from?
Bigamously was formed in English from the adjective bigamous and the adverbial suffix -ly. Bigamy entered English through Middle French bigamie from Medieval Latin bigamia, ultimately based on Greek bigamos, meaning “twice-married.” The Greek formation combines bi-, meaning “twice,” with gamos, meaning “marriage,” and underlies related terms such as monogamy and polygamy.
How bigamously is actually used
Chiefly used in legal, journalistic, and historical contexts. It often implies a secret or fraudulent second marriage. The precise legal meaning and the treatment of multiple marriages vary by jurisdiction.
Easily confused with bigamously
Polygamy is the practice of having multiple spouses and may be lawful in some jurisdictions, whereas bigamy specifically concerns entering another marriage while a prior marriage remains legally valid.