Endogamy Meaning and Definition
Endogamy
Pronunciation
/ɛndəˈɡæmi/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
The practice of marrying within one’s own ethnic or social group, or the act of limiting social interaction or marriage to one’s own group.
Examples
- The community has a strong history of endogamy, with many residents marrying within their faith and cultural traditions.
- Endogamy is often used to maintain social and cultural boundaries, especially in areas with limited outside influence.
- Some argue that endogamy can lead to a lack of diversity and innovation in social and cultural systems.
Synonyms
- Inbreeding
- Endogamy
Etymology
From Greek ἐνδός (endos), “within”, and γαμία (gamos), “marriage).
Usage Notes
Endogamy is often used in sociological, anthropological, and historical contexts to describe social and cultural practices.
Cultural References
Notable appearances in popular culture include in the novel and film “The Da Vinci Code” and in the TV show “Game of Thrones”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Inbreeding” is a common idiomatic phrase used to describe endogamy.
Related Words or Phrases
Genetic drift, social isolation, cultural homogeneity
Collocations
marriage, family, tradition, culture, community
Frequency of Use
Endogamy is a relatively rare word in everyday conversation, but it is often used in academic and professional contexts.
Common Misspellings
Endogmay, Endogami, Endogamy