What is adultery Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

The act of committing sexual intercourse with someone other than one’s lawful spouse, while still being married.

Synonyms

• Infidelity
• Unfaithfulness
• Fornication

Antonyms

• Fidelity
• Loyalty
• Monogamy

Etymology

The word “adultery” comes from the Latin “adulterium”, meaning “illegitimate sexual intercourse”, which is derived from “adulter”, meaning “to corrupt”

Usage Notes

Adultery is typically considered a serious offense in many cultures and societies, and can lead to severe consequences including divorce, legal penalties, and damage to one’s reputation.

Cultural References

The concept of adultery has been explored in numerous works of literature, film, and television, including Shakespeare’s play “Othello”, the novel ” Madame Bovary”, and the TV series “Mad Men”

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• To play the part of the virtuous wife, while committing adultery in secret
• A woman may be a virtuous wife and a woman of ill-fame

Related Words or Phrases

• Adulteress
• Adulterer
• Fornication

Collocations

• Adultery is a sin
• He is guilty of adultery

Frequency of Use

The word “adultery” is relatively rare in modern language, but it is still used in certain contexts to describe sexual infidelity.