levirate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very LowAcademic, Anthropological, Historical, Technical
Quick answer
What does “levirate” mean?
A custom or law by which a man is obliged to marry his deceased brother's widow.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A custom or law by which a man is obliged to marry his deceased brother's widow.
An anthropological term referring specifically to the cultural practice where a brother (or sometimes close male relative) assumes marital responsibilities toward his deceased brother's wife, often to ensure lineage continuation and widow support. It can also metaphorically describe any situation where one person is expected to assume the roles or obligations of a deceased relative.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage or meaning. The term is equally rare and specialized in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral, technical, descriptive of a specific cultural practice. Carries no inherent positive or negative judgement within academic discourse.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general texts. Almost exclusively found in academic literature on kinship, ancient law (e.g., Deuteronomic code), or specific ethnographic studies.
Grammar
How to Use “levirate” in a Sentence
The [custom/practice/law] of levirateLevirate was [observed/practiced/required] among the N.To enter into a levirate marriage.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “levirate” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The leviratical obligations were clearly outlined in the tribal code.
American English
- Leviratic customs varied significantly from one region to another.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in anthropology, sociology, religious studies, and history papers to describe specific kinship systems, e.g., 'The study examines the economic implications of levirate among pastoralist communities.'
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Precise term in ethnography and kinship studies, e.g., 'Levirate is a form of compulsory marriage that functions as a social security system.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “levirate”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He levirated her'). The verb form is not standard. Confusing it with 'levitate'. Misspelling as 'leverate' or 'levirite'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It derives from the Latin 'levir', meaning 'a husband's brother' or 'brother-in-law'.
Yes, in some traditional and religious communities worldwide, though it is much less common than in the past and often exists alongside or in tension with modern legal systems.
Sororate, where a woman is obliged to marry her deceased sister's husband.
Not exactly. Levirate is a specific *reason* for a marriage (obligation to a deceased brother's widow) which may result in a polygamous union if the man is already married, but it is defined by the kinship duty, not the number of spouses.
A custom or law by which a man is obliged to marry his deceased brother's widow.
Levirate is usually academic, anthropological, historical, technical in register.
Levirate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɛvɪrət/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɛvərət/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'LEVI' (sounds like 'leave') + 'RATE' – the brother who is 'left' behind is rated (obligated) to marry the widow.
Conceptual Metaphor
KINSHIP IS A CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATION; MARRIAGE IS A SOCIAL DUTY EXTENDING BEYOND DEATH.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary field of study where the term 'levirate' is used?