Remember 'fornicate' can be offensive or sensitive in cultures valuing marital intimacy. He was cautious not to use the word 'fornicate' among his conservative relatives.
Pro Tip 2/3
Religious Contexts
The term is often related to religious teachings about premarital intimacy. The priest preached about the sin of fornication.
Pro Tip 3/3
Legal Usage
Historically used in laws or regulations concerning moral behavior. Old laws would penalize individuals who were found guilty of fornicating.