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Bisexual Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bisexual

[ˌbaɪˈsɛkʃuəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

sexual orientation

Bisexual refers to a person who is attracted to both men and women. This orientation reflects a diversity of emotional, romantic, or sexual attractions, demonstrating a preference for more than one gender. Bisexuality can encompass a variety of experiences and identities.

Synonyms

Bi, dual-oriented, pansexual.

Examples of usage

  • She identifies as bisexual and embraces her attraction to multiple genders.
  • Being bisexual means I can have romantic feelings for both men and women.
  • He came out as bisexual to his friends last week.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • The concept of bisexuality has existed throughout history, seen in various cultures and societies.
  • During the 1970s sex-positive movement, bisexuality began gaining recognition within LGBTQ+ rights advocacy.

Pop Culture

  • Prominent celebrities, including musicians and actors, openly identify as bisexual, including Lady Gaga and Drew Barrymore.
  • Television shows and movies increasingly feature bisexual characters, promoting visibility and representation.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that attraction can be fluid; many experience changes in their sexual preferences over time.
  • Bisexual individuals often face unique mental health challenges, including discrimination and stigma.

Education

  • Many educational programs now include teachings on bisexuality to foster understanding among younger generations.
  • Sexual orientation workshops often emphasize the importance of recognizing and affirming all orientations, including bisexuality.

Origin of 'bisexual'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originates from the prefix 'bi-', meaning 'two', and 'sexualis', relating to sex or attraction.
  • First documented use of 'bisexual' in the English language can be traced back to the early 20th century.

The term 'bisexual' is derived from the prefix 'bi-', meaning 'two', and 'sexual', relating to sex or sexuality. The concept of bisexuality has existed for centuries, evident in various cultures and historical texts that reference same-gender and different-gender attractions. The modern usage of the word began to gain traction in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as discussions around sexual orientation and identity evolved. In the 1940s and 1950s, the Kinsey Reports highlighted the complexity of sexual attractions, further popularizing the term. The broader acceptance of bisexuality within LGBTQ+ communities has led to increased visibility and discourse surrounding bisexual identities in contemporary society.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,737, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.