Definition

Noun: - Sexual intercourse between individuals who are not married to one another. This term specifically describes a sexual relationship where at least one participant is married to someone else who is not involved.

Usage

The term is used in formal, legal, sociological, and psychological contexts to describe a specific type of infidelity. It is a neutral, descriptive term, though the act it describes is often socially or morally condemned.

Examples

• The divorce was granted on the grounds of extramarital sex.
• The study examined the psychological impacts of discovering a partner's extramarital sex.
• In some cultures, extramarital sex carries severe social or legal consequences.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often a component in broader discussions about marriage, fidelity, ethics, and social norms.
• It can be used in a clinical or research context to differentiate this specific act from emotional infidelity or other forms of non-monogamy.

Variants and Related Words

• Adultery (n): Often used synonymously, but "adultery" can have more specific legal or religious connotations, sometimes implying the married participant is a woman.
• Affair (n): A more general term for a romantic or sexual relationship outside of marriage, often of some duration.
• Infidelity (n): A broader term encompassing extramarital sex, emotional affairs, and other breaches of marital expectations.
• Extramarital (adj): The adjective form, meaning occurring outside marriage (e.g., an relationship).

Synonyms

• Adultery
• Infidelity
• Cheating (informal)

Related Phrases

• Marital infidelity: A more formal phrase similar in meaning.
• Have an affair: A common verbal phrase describing engagement in extramarital sex or a relationship.

Notes

This term is a compound noun. Its meaning is derived directly from its parts: extra- (outside of) + marital (related to marriage) + sex. It does not typically form phrasal verbs or common idioms on its own.

Noun

1. sexual intercourse between individuals who are not married to one another