coming-out
Definition
- Noun:
- The act of revealing one's sexual orientation: "coming-out" refers to the process by which a person discloses their sexual orientation or gender identity to others, typically for the first time.
- A debut into society: Historically, "coming-out" also refers to the formal introduction of a young person (especially a woman) into adult society, often through a debutante ball.
Usage Examples
- (The act of revealing her sexual orientation to family and friends.)
- (The formal introduction into high society.)
Advanced Usage
- "to come out" (as a verb phrase): The process of revealing one's identity; often used as the base for the noun "coming-out."
- He came out to his parents last year. (He disclosed his sexual orientation to them.)
- "coming-out party": A celebration held to mark the occasion of a person's disclosure.
- They threw a coming-out party for their daughter. (A social event to celebrate her debut.)
Variants and Related Words
- Come out (verb phrase): to reveal one's sexual orientation or gender identity.
- She decided to come out at work. (She disclosed her identity to colleagues.)
- Out (verb): to reveal someone's sexual orientation without their consent.
- The tabloid outed the celebrity. (The newspaper revealed the celebrity's orientation publicly.)
Synonyms
- Disclosure: the act of making something known.
- Revelation: a surprising or previously unknown fact that is made known.
- Debut: a first public appearance or introduction.
Related Idioms
- Come out of the closet: to reveal one's homosexuality or other secret identity.
- After years of hiding, he finally came out of the closet. (He openly acknowledged his sexual orientation.)
Phrasal Verbs
- Come out: to emerge or become known; specifically, to reveal one's sexual orientation.
- She came out to her friends last weekend. (She disclosed her identity to them.)