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Meaning of Word

Heterosexual refers to a person who is attracted to individuals of the opposite sex or gender.

Definitions and Meaning in English

• Heterosexual (adjective): Describes someone who experiences sexual or romantic attraction to people of the opposite gender.
• Heterosexual (noun): A person who is attracted to members of the opposite sex.

History and Origin

The word heterosexual originates from the Greek word “heteros,” meaning “other” or “different,” and the Latin “sexus,” meaning “sex.” The term was first coined in the late 19th century as a way to describe sexual attraction to the opposite sex, as opposed to homosexual attraction. The usage of “heterosexual” expanded in the 20th century as part of the broader vocabulary of sexual orientation, helping to define sexual identity and preference in a more scientific and social context.

Detailed Explanation

A heterosexual is someone who feels sexual, romantic, or emotional attraction to people of the opposite gender. In the context of relationships, a heterosexual individual typically seeks companionship or intimacy with someone of the opposite sex. The term is part of a broader spectrum of sexual orientations, which also includes homosexual (attraction to the same sex) and bisexual (attraction to both sexes) identities. While heterosexuality is considered the most common sexual orientation globally, it is essential to understand that sexual orientation can be fluid, and individuals may experience attraction differently over time. The term heterosexual is often used in contrast with other sexual orientations, highlighting differences in attraction based on gender.

Example Sentences

1. She identifies as heterosexual and has always been attracted to men.
2. His heterosexual orientation means he is romantically and sexually attracted to women.
3. The heterosexual couple met in college and have been together ever since.
4. Many cultures have historically viewed heterosexual relationships as the norm.
5. The heterosexual couple celebrated their wedding after a long engagement.
6. Despite being heterosexual, he had many close friendships with people of all sexual orientations.
7. She felt comfortable discussing her heterosexual relationships openly with her friends.
8. In a heterosexual partnership, one partner is typically male and the other female.
9. The film explores the complexities of love and attraction, focusing on a heterosexual couple.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Straight – A more informal term for someone who is heterosexual.
2. Cisgender – Refers to someone whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth, often used in the context of heterosexual relationships.
3. Opposite-sex attraction – A term that specifically refers to being attracted to individuals of the opposite sex.
4. Hetero – A colloquial abbreviation for heterosexual.
5. Straight-identified – Refers to someone who identifies as heterosexual in terms of sexual orientation.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Homosexual – Refers to someone who is attracted to people of the same sex or gender.
2. Bisexual – A person who is attracted to both men and women.
3. Pansexual – A person who is attracted to others regardless of gender or sex.
4. Queer – A broad term that can refer to anyone whose sexual orientation is not heterosexual, often used as an umbrella term for the LGBTQ+ community.
5. Asexual – A person who experiences little or no sexual attraction to others.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Sexual orientation – Refers to the pattern of sexual attraction a person feels towards others, whether heterosexual, homosexual, or otherwise.
2. Cisgender – Describes someone whose gender identity aligns with their assigned sex at birth, typically relevant in discussions about heterosexual relationships.
3. Monogamous – A relationship in which a person has one partner at a time, often discussed in the context of heterosexual or other relationships.
4. Family structure – Refers to the composition of a family, which often includes heterosexual parents and children.
5. Gender roles – Socially constructed roles based on gender, often discussed in the context of heterosexual relationships and norms.

Antonyms

1. Homosexual – A person attracted to individuals of the same sex or gender.
2. Bisexual – A person who is attracted to both sexes or genders.
3. Pansexual – A person attracted to others regardless of gender or sex.
4. Asexual – A person who does not experience sexual attraction to others.
5. Queer – A term that encompasses a range of non-heterosexual sexual orientations and identities.