fornication: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2formal, dated, chiefly religious/legal
Quick answer
What does “fornication” mean?
Sexual intercourse between two people who are not married to each other.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Sexual intercourse between two people who are not married to each other.
Used historically and religiously to denote any illicit or immoral sexual relations outside of marriage. In broader, secular contexts, it can be used synonymously with "adultery," though the terms are distinct.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition or use. The word is archaic and formal in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries strong religious/moralistic connotations. It is rarely used in secular contexts.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Possibly slightly higher in the US due to more widespread religious discourse in public life.
Grammar
How to Use “fornication” in a Sentence
commit fornication (with)be guilty of fornicationthe sin/crime of fornicationVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fornication” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They were accused of fornicating outside the bounds of holy matrimony.
- The ancient law forbade fornicating with foreigners.
American English
- The preacher thundered against those who would fornicate without remorse.
- Colonial statutes criminalized fornicating.
adverb
British English
- This term is not commonly used as an adverb. The related form 'fornicatorily' is extremely rare and non-standard.
American English
- This term is not commonly used as an adverb. The related form 'fornicatorily' is extremely rare and non-standard.
adjective
British English
- The fornication laws were finally repealed in the 20th century.
- He was charged with fornication-related misconduct.
American English
- The fornication statute was deemed unconstitutional.
- They discussed the fornication passages in the religious text.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, theological, legal, or sociological studies discussing morality, religion, or historical laws.
Everyday
Extremely rare. If used, it is for humorous, ironic, or deliberately archaic effect.
Technical
A technical term in theology and historical jurisprudence.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “fornication”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fornication”
- Using it in casual conversation, which sounds bizarre. Confusing it with 'fornication' as a verb form (the verb is 'fornicate'). Using it interchangeably with all types of 'sex' rather than specifically non-marital sex.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. Fornication traditionally refers to sexual intercourse between two unmarried people. Adultery specifically involves at least one married person having sex with someone other than their spouse. In some modern or broader uses, they are conflated.
It is highly inadvisable. The word is archaic and carries strong religious/judgmental overtones. Using it in casual conversation would sound strange, humorous, or intentionally dramatic. More neutral terms like 'sex outside marriage' are preferred.
The verb is 'to fornicate'. It follows the same register and usage constraints as the noun.
Its primary usage has been in religious doctrines and historical legal codes. As societal attitudes towards sex outside marriage have evolved and language has modernised, the word has not entered common, neutral vocabulary and remains frozen in those formal contexts.
Sexual intercourse between two people who are not married to each other.
Fornication: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɔː.nɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɔːr.nəˈkeɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Biblical] The whoredoms and fornications of...”
- “A den of fornication and iniquity (archaic/dramatic).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the Latin 'fornix' (arch, vault) -> Roman prostitutes solicited in archways -> FORNication is sex outside marriage.
Conceptual Metaphor
SIN IS A CRIME / SEXUAL TRANSGRESSION IS A LEGAL OFFENSE (e.g., 'commit' fornication).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'fornication' MOST likely to be found today?