What’s the Plural of Stigma?

The English language is full of words that come from other languages, and one of these is “stigma.” Borrowed from Greek, “stigma” has a plural form that might surprise many English speakers because it doesn’t follow the typical “-s” or “-es” pattern of pluralization. In this article, we’ll explore the correct plural of “stigma,” discuss why it has more than one plural form, and examine when and how to use each form. We’ll also provide examples to illustrate the usage of “stigma” and its plurals, and answer common questions people have about the word.

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What Is “Stigma”?

Before diving into its plural form, it’s important to understand the meaning of “stigma.”

The word “stigma” has two primary meanings:

1. A mark of disgrace or shame: In this context, “stigma” refers to a negative belief or stereotype associated with a particular condition, behavior, or characteristic. For example, there is often a stigma attached to mental illness, meaning that people who suffer from mental health issues are unfairly judged or stigmatized.
2. A part of a flower: In botany, the stigma is the part of a flower’s pistil where pollen is received. It plays an essential role in the reproductive process of flowering plants.

Common Uses of “Stigma”:

• In a Social/Emotional Context: The word “stigma” is often used to describe the negative perceptions or stereotypes that society associates with particular groups or behaviors. For example, there is still a stigma surrounding mental health, or there is a stigma attached to certain diseases like HIV/AIDS.
• In a Botanical Context: Stigma is also a term used in biology to describe a part of the reproductive system of flowering plants. The stigma is the sticky surface on which pollen lands and begins the fertilization process.

Examples of “Stigma” in Singular Form:

• Despite the progress in mental health awareness, there is still a significant stigma associated with seeking therapy.
  (Here, “stigma” refers to the social shame or negative perception surrounding therapy.)
• The stigma of unemployment often prevents people from asking for help.
  (In this sentence, “stigma” refers to the shame or embarrassment people feel about being unemployed.)
• In a flower, the stigma is the part that receives the pollen.
  (Here, “stigma” is used in its botanical sense, referring to a part of a flower.)

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What’s the Plural of “Stigma”?

The word “stigma” has two plural forms, each of which is used in different contexts:

1. Stigmata (pronounced stig-MAH-tuh or stig-MAHT-uh): This is the traditional plural form of “stigma” in its original Greek sense. It is mainly used when referring to marks or signs, especially in a metaphorical or religious context.
2. Stigmas (pronounced STIG-muhs): This is the more common plural form in modern English, and it is used when referring to multiple instances of social shame or disgrace, as well as in botanical contexts where multiple parts of different flowers are being discussed.

Why Are There Two Plural Forms?

The word “stigma” comes from the Greek word “stigmata,” which means a mark or brand, especially one that signifies ownership or disgrace. In its original Greek usage, “stigmata” was already plural, referring to multiple marks or brands. Over time, this plural form has been carried over into English, particularly in religious contexts, where “stigmata” refers to the miraculous wounds resembling those of Christ.

However, as English evolved, the more regular pluralization rule—adding “-s” or “-es”—resulted in the form “stigmas” becoming more widely used, particularly in non-religious contexts.

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Examples of “Stigmata” and “Stigmas” in Sentences

Let’s look at how each plural form is used in sentences to clarify their differences.

Using “Stigmata”:

• In Christian tradition, saints like St. Francis of Assisi were said to have received stigmata, marks on their bodies resembling the wounds of Christ.
  (Here, “stigmata” refers to miraculous marks or wounds, used in a religious or metaphorical sense.)
• The novel explores the idea of emotional stigmata, invisible scars left by trauma.
  (In this sentence, “stigmata” is used metaphorically to describe emotional wounds.)

Using “Stigmas”:

• Despite efforts to reduce it, there are still many stigmas surrounding mental health disorders.
  (Here, “stigmas” refers to multiple forms of social shame or negative stereotypes associated with mental health.)
• The multiple stigmas on the flowers were covered in pollen.
  (In this sentence, “stigmas” refers to multiple parts of different flowers, used in a botanical sense.)
• Society often imposes stigmas on people who don’t conform to traditional gender roles.
  (Here, “stigmas” refers to different kinds of social shame or disgrace associated with non-conformity.)

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When to Use “Stigmata” vs. “Stigmas”

Use “Stigmata” when:

• Referring to religious or metaphorical marks or wounds, especially in Christian contexts.
• Discussing multiple marks, scars, or signs in a metaphorical or symbolic sense.

Examples:

• The religious icon was said to have received stigmata after a long period of fasting and prayer.
• The emotional stigmata of past trauma can be just as painful as physical wounds.

Use “Stigmas” when:

• Referring to multiple instances of social shame, disgrace, or negative stereotypes.
• Discussing the botanical parts of flowers in the plural form.

Examples:

• Many cultures still have stigmas attached to divorce, even in modern times.
• The scientist examined the stigmas of different types of flowering plants under the microscope.

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Singular vs. Plural: “Stigma” vs. “Stigmata” or “Stigmas”

It’s important to understand the distinction between the singular “stigma” and its plural forms. Knowing when to use “stigmata” versus “stigmas” will help you navigate the nuances of the word, especially when writing or speaking in formal contexts.

Singular (“Stigma”) in Sentences:

• The social stigma surrounding mental illness prevents many people from seeking help.
  (Here, “stigma” refers to a single instance of social shame or negative perception.)
• In flowers, the stigma is a critical part of the reproductive process.
  (In this sentence, “stigma” refers to one part of a flower.)

Plural (“Stigmata” or “Stigmas”) in Sentences:

• The artist used the theme of stigmata to represent the suffering of marginalized groups.
  (Here, “stigmata” is used metaphorically to describe marks of suffering or oppression.)
• There are still many harmful stigmas associated with addiction, making recovery more difficult.
  (In this sentence, “stigmas” refers to multiple forms of social shame or negative perception.)

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Common Questions and Misconceptions About “Stigma” and “Stigmata”

Now, let’s address some of the most frequently asked questions and common misconceptions about the plural forms of “stigma.”

Question 1:

Is “stigmata” always the correct plural form of “stigma”?

Answer:
No, “stigmata” is not always the correct plural form. “Stigmata” is primarily used in religious or metaphorical contexts, especially when referring to physical or symbolic marks. In most other contexts, especially when referring to social shame or botanical parts of flowers, the correct plural form is “stigmas.”

Example (Incorrect):

• There are many stigmata attached to seeking mental health treatment.

Example (Correct):

• There are many stigmas attached to seeking mental health treatment.

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Question 2:

Can I use “stigmas” when referring to religious marks or scars?

Answer:
No, it’s best to use “stigmata” when referring to religious marks or scars, particularly in the context of Christian theology or metaphorical language. “Stigmas” is reserved for more general uses, such as social shame and botanical references.

Example:

• The monk’s devotion was said to be so deep that he received stigmata resembling the wounds of Christ.

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Question 3:

Which plural form should I use in formal writing: “stigmata” or “stigmas”?

Answer:
It depends on the context. If you are writing about social shame, negative stereotypes, or botany, use “stigmas.” If you are writing about religious or metaphorical marks, use “stigmata.”

Example:

• The study explored the various stigmas attached to homelessness.
  (Correct in a social context)
• The saint was said to have received divine stigmata during his lifetime.
  (Correct in a religious context)

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Question 4:

What is the most common usage of “stigmas” in modern English?

Answer:
The most common usage of “stigmas” in modern English is in the context of social shame or negative stereotypes. For example, people often talk about the stigmas surrounding mental health, addiction, or other socially sensitive topics. “Stigmas” is also used in botanical contexts when referring to multiple flower parts.

Example:

• There are still many stigmas associated with mental health issues.

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Practice Questions: Stigma, Stigmata, or Stigmas?

Let’s test your understanding of when to use “stigma,” “stigmata,” and “stigmas” with some practice questions.

Question 1:

Which word is correct in the following sentence?

• The religious leader was believed to have received divine _ on his hands and feet.

a) stigmas
b) stigmata

Answer:
b) stigmata

Explanation: In religious contexts, “stigmata” is the correct plural form.

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Question 2:

Fill in the blank with the correct word:

• Despite advances in treatment, there are still many _ associated with HIV/AIDS.

Answer:
Stigmas

Explanation: Since the sentence refers to multiple forms of social shame or disgrace, “stigmas” is the correct plural form.

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Question 3:

True or False:
“Stigmata” is used when referring to the botanical part of a flower.

Answer:
False

Explanation: “Stigmas,” not “stigmata,” is used when referring to the botanical parts of flowers.

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Question 4:

Which sentence is correct?

a) The flower’s stigmata were covered in pollen.
b) The flower’s stigmas were covered in pollen.

Answer:
*b) The flower’s stigmas were covered in pollen.

Explanation: In botanical contexts, “stigmas” is the correct plural form.

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Conclusion

In summary, “stigma” has two plural forms: “stigmata” and “stigmas.” Understanding when to use each form is key to ensuring clarity in both spoken and written English.

Key Takeaways:

• “Stigma” is singular, referring to a mark of disgrace or a part of a flower.
• “Stigmata” is the plural form used in religious or metaphorical contexts, especially when referring to divine or symbolic marks.
• “Stigmas” is the plural form used when discussing social shame, disgrace, or botanical parts of flowers.

By mastering the correct pluralization of “stigma,” you can confidently use both “stigmata” and “stigmas” in your writing, ensuring precision and clarity based on the context.