Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Sexually attracted to members of the opposite sex: Describes a person whose primary romantic and sexual attraction is toward people of a different sex or gender.

2. Noun:

   • A heterosexual person; someone having a sexual orientation to persons of the opposite sex: Refers to an individual who identifies as being attracted to people of the opposite sex.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • She is in a heterosexual relationship.
  • The survey asked participants to indicate if they identified as heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual.

• Noun:

  • He is a heterosexual.
  • The group included both heterosexuals and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Advanced Usage

• "heterosexual matrix": A term used in gender studies to describe the societal system that assumes and reinforces heterosexuality as the norm.

  • The film challenges the traditional heterosexual matrix.

• "compulsory heterosexuality": A concept describing the societal pressure and expectation that people should be heterosexual.

  • The author's work critiques the idea of compulsory heterosexuality in that culture.

Variants and Related Words

• Heterosexuality (n): The state or quality of being heterosexual; sexual orientation toward the opposite sex.

  • He spoke openly about his heterosexuality.

• Heterosexism (n): A system of attitudes, bias, and discrimination in favor of opposite-sex sexuality and relationships.

  • The policy was criticized for its underlying heterosexism.

Synonyms

• Straight (adj, n, informal): A common informal synonym for heterosexual.
  • He told his friends he was straight.

Antonyms

• Homosexual (adj, n): Sexually attracted to members of one's own sex.
• Gay (adj, n): Often used specifically for men attracted to men, but also used more broadly.
• Lesbian (adj, n): A woman who is sexually attracted to other women.

Adjective

1. sexually attracted to members of the opposite sex

Noun

1. a heterosexual person; someone having a sexual orientation to persons of the opposite sex