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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Infidelity and Adultery?

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The difference between infidelity and adultery lies in the nature of the acts involved and the context in which they occur. Here are the key distinctions between the two:

  • Infidelity: Infidelity refers to the act of being either emotionally or physically unfaithful to a spouse or partner, breaking a commitment or promise during the act. It can occur in both married and committed relationships and encompasses a broader range of unfaithful behaviors, including emotional connections and physical acts.
  • Adultery: Adultery specifically refers to engaging in physical, sexual activity with someone other than one's spouse or partner. In order for adultery to be committed, at least one of the sexual partners must be married to someone else. Adultery is considered a criminal offense and grounds for divorce in certain jurisdictions.

In summary, infidelity is a broader term that includes emotional and physical acts of unfaithfulness, while adultery is a specific form of infidelity that involves physical, sexual activity with someone other than one's spouse or partner. Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings and implications.

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  • What is the Difference Between Infidelity and Adultery?
  • Comparative Table: Infidelity vs Adultery

    • Comparative Table: Infidelity vs Adultery

    Here is a table summarizing the key differences between infidelity and adultery:

    Infidelity Adultery
    Can occur in any committed relationship, whether married or not Specifically refers to sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than their lawful spouse
    Encompasses both emotional and physical betrayals, such as developing an emotional attachment to someone other than your partner or engaging in sexual intercourse with someone other than your partner More narrowly defined, focusing on physical sexual acts outside of a marriage or other committed relationship
    In some jurisdictions, adultery is a criminal offense and is almost always considered grounds for divorce Legal implications vary depending on the jurisdiction, but adultery is generally considered a more severe offense than infidelity
    Infidelity is a broader term that includes various forms of betrayal in a committed relationship, while adultery is a specific type of infidelity involving sexual intercourse with someone other than one's spouse

    Please note that the definitions and implications of infidelity and adultery can vary depending on cultural, legal, and personal factors.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.