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sororate

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /səˈrɔːrət/

KK: /sɔˈrɔːrət/

noun
Definition

A type of marriage where a man marries two or more sisters, typically after the first sister is unable to have children or has passed away.


Example

In some cultures, the sororate is practiced to ensure family lineage continues through the sisters.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of the term sororate?
Sloth B
Yeah, it refers to a man marrying the sisters of his first wife, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! It’s an interesting practice in some cultures.
Sloth B
I wonder how that affects family dynamics over time.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
polyandry
sisterhood
marriage
Antonyms
monogamy
singleness
divorce
Root Explanation

Sororate is formed from "soror" (meaning sister) and "-ate" (a suffix used to form verbs or nouns). The term refers to a custom or practice involving a man marrying his deceased brother's sister, thus connecting familial ties through sisterhood.

Memory Tip

Think of 'sister' ('soror') and remember that 'sororate' involves marrying a sister in a specific familial context.

Visually Confused Words
porporate
corporate
sorbate
serrate
prorate
odorate
discorporate
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