serial monogamy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, academic, sociological, journalistic
Quick answer
What does “serial monogamy” mean?
A relationship pattern where a person has a series of exclusive, committed romantic partnerships, one after another.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A relationship pattern where a person has a series of exclusive, committed romantic partnerships, one after another.
The sociological or anthropological concept describing a common contemporary relationship structure in many societies, often contrasted with lifelong monogamy or polyamory. It implies a sequence of long-term, exclusive relationships rather than casual dating.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Slightly more common in American sociological and pop psychology discourse.
Connotations
In both varieties, can be used descriptively or with a slight negative connotation of impermanence.
Frequency
Low-frequency term in general discourse, common in specific fields like sociology, anthropology, and relationship counselling.
Grammar
How to Use “serial monogamy” in a Sentence
[Subject] practices serial monogamy.Serial monogamy is practiced by [group].The study examined patterns of serial monogamy among [demographic].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “serial monogamy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He has serially monogamised his way through his thirties.
- They tend to serial-monogamise, rarely staying single for long.
American English
- She has been serially monogamous since college.
- He serial-dates, moving from one exclusive relationship to the next.
adverb
British English
- He dated serially monogamously.
- She moved serially from one partner to the next.
American English
- He lives his romantic life serially monogamous.
- They commit serially, not simultaneously.
adjective
British English
- His serial-monogamy lifestyle left little time for self-reflection.
- We live in a serial-monogamy culture.
American English
- Her serial monogamy pattern was evident in her relationship history.
- It's a serial-monogamy society.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Potentially in HR/pop psychology discussions about workforce stability.
Academic
Common in sociology, anthropology, psychology, and gender studies papers to describe post-1950s Western relationship norms.
Everyday
Used in discussions about modern dating, personal relationship history, or societal trends.
Technical
A precise term in demography and family studies to categorize relationship histories for research.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “serial monogamy”
- Confusing with 'polygamy' or 'polyamory'.
- Using 'serial' to imply 'criminal' (as in serial killer).
- Misspelling as 'cereal monogamy'.
- Using as a synonym for simply 'dating' without the commitment aspect.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Serial monogamy involves exclusive, committed relationships that end before a new one begins. Cheating involves infidelity within a committed relationship.
While the term is modern, the pattern has existed. Its prevalence increased in Western societies post-1960s due to factors like rising divorce rates, longer life expectancy, and changing social norms.
Research is mixed. It can provide emotional support and stability in phases, but may also be linked to attachment issues or a fear of being alone if the pattern is compulsive.
Serial monogamy implies a sequence of serious, exclusive, often cohabiting relationships of significant duration (months or years), not casual, short-term, or non-exclusive dating.
A relationship pattern where a person has a series of exclusive, committed romantic partnerships, one after another.
Serial monogamy is usually formal, academic, sociological, journalistic in register.
Serial monogamy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪə.ri.əl məˈnɒɡ.ə.mi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪr.i.əl məˈnɑː.ɡə.mi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Playing musical chairs with relationships”
- “One after the other”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TV 'serial' with different seasons—each season is a new, exclusive story (relationship).
Conceptual Metaphor
RELATIONSHIPS ARE CONSUMABLE GOODS (series of replacements), LIFE IS A JOURNEY WITH DIFFERENT COMPANIONS FOR EACH LEG.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes 'serial monogamy'?