noun

exogamy

ek-SOG-uh-mee

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Exogamy (noun) means Marriage or mating with someone from a tribe or group outside one's own, often required by custom or law. Example: “Exogamy was practised in many traditional societies to strengthen ties between different groups.”

noun

Marriage or mating with someone from a tribe or group outside one's own, often required by custom or law.

"Exogamy was practised in many traditional societies to strengthen ties between different groups."

"Under exogamy, a person is expected to marry outside their own clan."

"Anthropologists have long studied exogamy as a way societies avoid marrying close relatives."

biology In biology, the fusion of two gametes that come from unrelated organisms.

"Exogamy occurs when the fusing gametes are genetically unrelated."

"Biologists contrast exogamy with the fusion of closely related gametes."

How to use exogamy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMarrying or pairing with someone from outside your own group.

When to use it

It is a specialist term used mainly in anthropology and biology rather than everyday speech.

Memory tip

Remember the prefix exo- meaning outside, which is the opposite of the endo- in endogamy.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

endogamy →

Common pairings

practise exogamy a rule of exogamy exogamy and endogamy exogamous marriage

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ was practised in many traditional societies to strengthen ties between different groups.

Etymology

Exogamy is built from the prefix exo-, meaning outside, and the suffix -gamy, relating to marriage or union. The term was coined by the British lawyer and ethnologist John Ferguson McLennan in his work Studies in Ancient History.

Origin: English

Antonyms

endogamy

Related words

endogamy

Rhymes for exogamy

Amy Swamy infamy bigamy creamy dreamy steamy Bellamy endogamy polygamy monogamy

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Frequently asked questions

What does exogamy mean?

It refers to marrying or mating outside one's own tribe, clan or group, and in biology to the fusion of unrelated gametes.

Is exogamy the opposite of endogamy?

Yes, endogamy is marriage or mating within one's own group, so it is treated as the antonym of exogamy.

Who first used the word exogamy?

It was coined by the British lawyer and ethnologist John Ferguson McLennan in his book Studies in Ancient History.

What is the meaning of exogamy?

"exogamy" (noun) means marriage or mating with someone from a tribe or group outside one's own, often required by custom or law.

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