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Heterosexual: meaning, definitions and examples

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heterosexual

 

[ ˌhɛt.ə.roʊˈsɛk.ʃu.əl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

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

Etymology

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.