Heterosexual: meaning, definitions and examples
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heterosexual
[ ˌhɛt.ə.roʊˈsɛk.ʃu.əl ]
sexual orientation
Heterosexual refers to an individual who is sexually attracted to people of the opposite sex. This term typically describes a standard sexual orientation in which men are attracted to women and women are attracted to men. It is one of the most common sexual orientations.
Synonyms
opposite-sex oriented, straight
Examples of usage
- She identifies as heterosexual.
- He is in a heterosexual relationship.
- Many cultures predominantly recognize heterosexuality.
- Heterosexual attraction can vary in intensity.
- Heterosexual couples often face different societal expectations.
Translations
Translations of the word "heterosexual" in other languages:
🇵🇹 heterossexual
🇮🇳 हेटेरोसेक्सुअल
🇩🇪 heterosexuell
🇮🇩 heteroseksual
🇺🇦 гетеросексуальний
🇵🇱 heteroseksualny
🇯🇵 ヘテロセクシュアル
🇫🇷 hétérosexuel
🇪🇸 heterosexual
🇹🇷 heteroseksüel
🇰🇷 이성애자
🇸🇦 مغاير جنسيًا
🇨🇿 heterosexuální
🇸🇰 heterosexuálny
🇨🇳 异性恋
🇸🇮 heteroseksualen
🇮🇸 hétoróseksuall
🇰🇿 гетеросексуал
🇬🇪 ჰეტეროსექსუალური
🇦🇿 heteroseksual
🇲🇽 heterosexual
Word origin
The term 'heterosexual' originated in the late 19th century, deriving from the Greek 'heteros', meaning 'other' or 'different', and the Latin 'sexus', which refers to the state of being male or female. The word was first used in English in the 1890s to describe a sexual attraction to the opposite sex. Over time, it became a standard term in discussions about sexual orientation, particularly as discussions on sexuality expanded in the 20th century. Heterosexuality has often been placed as the normative reference point in many societies, influencing cultural perceptions of relationships, family structures, and individual identities. The development of the term reflects broader societal understandings of sexuality that emerged, particularly in relation to the visibility and acceptance of non-heterosexual orientations in modern times.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #13,214, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.
- ...
- 13211 subsystem
- 13212 psychoanalytic
- 13213 allude
- 13214 heterosexual
- 13215 relativity
- 13216 projectile
- 13217 consignee
- ...