Thoughts on the words "normal, usual, typical, regular"

[Bartato]

I've been thinking about words that might be used when describing the fact that the Bible treats polygyny as marriage, but simultaneously acknowledging that it is an uncommon arrangement in Western culture.

For example, we might say "Men normally marry women of the same nationality".

That is accurate. People do most often marry someone from the same people group . At the same time, we recognize that marrying someone outside that group still results in a real marriage.

This is different than saying "men normally marry women". Men only marry women. Men might pretend to marry men, but they really can't.

The word "normally" suggests a standard or norm that might be violated. That doesn't seem quite right.

"Regularly" also has a similar vibe, suggesting a regulation that might be violated.

Perhaps "usually" or "typically" fit better.

Men typically (or usually) have one wife. Some men do not have a wife. Some men have more than one.

Any suggestions?

Perhaps this is a pointless topic.

 

[MeganC]

"Normal" is also related to the word and term normative. And that word is often synonymous with average.

Yet none of these words are synonymous with Holy, acceptable, commendable, exceptional, or etc.

It may be normal for your average elite politicians and entertainers to molest children at Jeffery Epstein's island but it is not acceptable.

 

[frederick]

Perhaps "usually" or "typically" fit better.

Men typically (or usually) have one wife. Some men do not have a wife. Some men have more than one.

If we're talking about society in general, men usually have one wife. That's the way it typically goes but that's not always the case in the Bible. The heroes of the faith in the Old Testament usually had multiple wives.

It may be normal for your average elite politicians and entertainers to molest children at Jeffery Epstein's island but it is not acceptable.

True but it's also not unusual.

 

[Bartato]

If we're talking about society in general, men usually have one wife. That's the way it typically goes but that's not always the case in the Bible. The heroes of the faith in the Old Testament usually had multiple wives.


True but it's also not unusual.

Good point about the notable men of God in the OT.

 

[FollowingHim]

The word "normally" suggests a standard or norm that might be violated. That doesn't seem quite right.

I don't get that vibe from it.

"Normal" is also related to the word and term normative. And that word is often synonymous with average.

Exactly. Normal is therefore already the word you're looking for!

Think of a "normal distribution" in statistics.

 

[Bartato]

I don't get that vibe from it.

Exactly. Normal is therefore already the word you're looking for!

Think of a "normal distribution" in statistics.

Now you have me thinking about statistics in terms of sex relations. The median man has one wife. Move down a standard deviation and you have the divorced man. Move down another standard deviation, and you have an incel. Move up a couple standard deviations and you have a polygynous man. . Interesting

 

[MemeFan]

Normal = regular = typical = usual

I believe there are some difference, but usually (or normally or typically or regulary) these words are exchangeable.

 

[frederick]

Move down another standard deviation, and you have an incel.

Normally down in the basement of his mother's home.

 

[Bartato]

Normally down in the basement of his mother's home.

Wanking to porn

 

[Fledgling]

Now you have me thinking about statistics in terms of sex relations. The median man has one wife. Move down a standard deviation and you have the divorced man. Move down another standard deviation, and you have an incel. Move up a couple standard deviations and you have a polygynous man. . Interesting

I'm a little bit concerned about my current position on this chart, given the attributed labels.

 

[Fledgling]

The word "normally" suggests a standard or norm that might be violated. That doesn't seem quite right.

I don't get that vibe from it.

I understand the feeling that "normally" suggests a standard. Maybe it's cultural, but I'm pretty sure the phrase "that's just not normal" generally implies condemnation and not simply the idea that it's not average. Maybe it's different for "normal-ly"?

Then again, anything can sound judgemental if it is relayed (im)properly.

 

[Bartato]

I'm a little bit concerned about my current position on this chart, given the attributed labels.

I get the impression that you are heading in the right direction. Keep your eyes on Christ

 

[Fledgling]

I get the impression that you are heading in the right direction. Keep your eyes on Christ

Oh, I believe so, too. The boat does seem to move rather slowly though if the amount of time I've spent in this direction is any indication!

I was merely drawing attention to the fact that there are four attributed labels: 1) Incel, 2) Divorced man, 3) Man married to one, and 4) Man married to more than one. Since I am unmarried, and have not been divorced, the process of elimination grants me the label of "incel" which is not really a label I could imagine giving myself! Hence my "concern"

I'd petition for drawing another column in the chart, but my efforts are probably better spent on moving to a new, existing column. Preferably to one of the latter two; I'm uncertain whether "divorced" could be considered an improvement.

 

[Fledgling]

I've been thinking about words that might be used when describing the fact that the Bible treats polygyny as marriage, but simultaneously acknowledging that it is an uncommon arrangement in Western culture.

I'd say you picked a good word right here: (un)common.

Replacing the usages in your examples:

For example, we might say "Men commonly marry women of the same nationality".

Men commonly have one wife. Some men do not have a wife. Some men have more than one.

Not entirely sure of the fit, but it works.

 

[Bartato]

Oh, I believe so, too. The boat does seem to move rather slowly though if the amount of time I've spent in this direction is any indication!

I was merely drawing attention to the fact that there are four attributed labels: 1) Incel, 2) Divorced man, 3) Man married to one, and 4) Man married to more than one. Since I am unmarried, and have not been divorced, the process of elimination grants me the label of "incel" which is not really a label I could imagine giving myself! Hence my "concern"

I'd petition for drawing another column in the chart, but my efforts are probably better spent on moving to a new, existing column. Preferably to one of the latter two; I'm uncertain whether "divorced" could be considered an improvement.

Don't take my four categories too seriously.

That's just a spitball idea.

Since you aren't married, it is good that you aren't having sex with women. Hopefully some Christian woman is or someday will be interested in you.