What constitutes adultery?

Adultery is defined as engaging in sexual relations with someone other than one's spouse while still being married. This concept is rooted in the idea of marital fidelity, which entails the commitment to exclusively engage with one's spouse in a sexual manner. The act of having sexual relations outside of this commitment undermines the trust and exclusivity that are foundational to marriage.

Living together without marriage, having multiple relationships simultaneously, and sharing a romantic bond with a neighbor do not specifically address the violation of the marital vow related to sexual fidelity. They might involve emotional or romantic connections or cohabitation issues, but they do not constitute adultery as they may not involve the physical act of infidelity against a spouse. Thus, engaging in sexual relations with someone other than one’s spouse is the most precise definition of adultery.