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Heterosexual Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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heterosexual

het-ero-sex-u-al

🇺🇸 /ˌhɛtɝoʊˈsɛkʃəwəɫ/ · 🇬🇧 /hˌɛtɹəʊsˈɛkʃuːəl/

Definition

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

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Quick facts about “heterosexual”

Heterosexual is a 5-syllable adjective (het-ero-sex-u-al). It is pronounced /ˌhɛtɝoʊˈsɛkʃəwəɫ/ in American English and /hˌɛtɹəʊsˈɛkʃuːəl/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 1 meaning, 2 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #13,214 among the most common English words.

Origin of 'heterosexual'

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.

Rhymes

Heterosexual rhymes with homosexual.

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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.