hypergamy
Americannoun
noun
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anthropol a custom that forbids a woman to marry a man of lower social status
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any marriage with a partner of higher social status
Usage
What does hypergamy mean? Hypergamy is the practice of marrying above one's social status or class (i.e., "marrying up"). What are some other words related to hypergamy?
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of hypergamy
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Dāngis have no subcastes distinguished by separate names, but they are divided into three classes, among whom the principle of hypergamy prevails.
From The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India Volume II by Russell, R. V. (Robert Vane)
The above clans sometimes practise hypergamy among themselves and also with the other Lodhis, taking daughters from the latter on receipt of a large bridegroom-price for the honour conferred by the marriage.
From The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India - Volume IV of IV Kumhar-Yemkala by Russell, R. V. (Robert Vane)
The practice of hypergamy is, or was until recently, common among Brāhmans.
From The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India Volume II by Russell, R. V. (Robert Vane)
Possibly the Barki Rautias formerly practised hypergamy with the Majhli, taking daughters in marriage but not giving daughters, and in course of time this has led to the obliteration of the distinction between them.
From The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India - Volume IV of IV Kumhar-Yemkala by Russell, R. V. (Robert Vane)
Up till recently they practised hypergamy with the other groups, taking daughters from them in marriage, but not giving their daughters to them.
From The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India - Volume IV of IV Kumhar-Yemkala by Russell, R. V. (Robert Vane)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
