fornicate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Legal, Religious, Literary, sometimes Humorous/Euphemistic
Quick answer
What does “fornicate” mean?
To have sexual intercourse between two people who are not married to each other.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To have sexual intercourse between two people who are not married to each other.
Used in religious, legal, or formal contexts to denote extramarital sexual relations, often with a moral judgment. In modern informal use, it can be a euphemistic or humorous substitute for more explicit terms.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition or usage. The word is equally formal/archaic in both varieties.
Connotations
Strongly associated with religious condemnation (e.g., the Ten Commandments) and legal/formal language in both regions.
Frequency
Extremely rare in casual conversation in both the UK and US. Slightly more likely to appear in religious or historical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “fornicate” in a Sentence
[Subject] + fornicate[Subject] + fornicate + with + [Partner]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fornicate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The ancient law declared it a sin to fornicate.
- He was accused of fornicating with his neighbour's wife.
American English
- The preacher warned the youths not to fornicate.
- Colonial statutes often criminalized fornication.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form; 'fornicatingly' is non-standard and extremely rare.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form.)
adjective
British English
- The fornication laws were repealed in the 20th century.
- A fornication charge was brought against them.
American English
- They faced a fornication statute in that conservative county.
- The fornication taboo was central to his sermon.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theological, historical, or sociological studies discussing sexual ethics.
Everyday
Virtually never used in polite everyday conversation. May be used for humorous or exaggerated effect.
Technical
Used in specific religious doctrine or archaic legal texts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fornicate”
- Using it transitively (e.g., 'He fornicated her' is incorrect).
- Using it in casual modern contexts where it sounds oddly archaic or pretentious.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not a swear word, but it is very formal and carries strong moral/religious connotations. Using it in casual conversation would sound strange, archaic, or deliberately provocative.
The noun is 'fornication'.
'Fornicate' refers to sex between people who are not married (to each other or at all). 'Adultery' specifically involves at least one person who is married to someone else.
It is very difficult, as the word's history is steeped in religious and legal condemnation. In modern use, it almost always implies a judgmental or formal perspective, unless used ironically or humorously.
To have sexual intercourse between two people who are not married to each other.
Fornicate is usually formal, legal, religious, literary, sometimes humorous/euphemistic in register.
Fornicate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɔː.nɪ.keɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɔːr.nɪ.keɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Live in fornication (archaic for cohabiting unmarried)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
FOR NI(ght) CATE(r) - Imagine a cat caterer who only works at night for unmarried couples.
Conceptual Metaphor
SIN IS A CRIME / IMMORALITY IS A LEGAL TRANSGRESSION (e.g., 'commit fornication').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'fornicate' MOST appropriately used?