homosexual

/'houmou'seksjuəl/

Thân thiện

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Sexually or romantically attracted to members of one's own sex or gender. This term describes a person's orientation or feelings.
2. Noun:
   • A person who is sexually or romantically attracted to members of their own sex or gender. This term identifies an individual based on their orientation.

Usage

• The word "homosexual" can function as both an adjective (to describe) and a noun (to identify). It is a formal, clinical term. In modern, everyday English, many people prefer identity-first terms like "gay" or "lesbian," which are often considered more natural. Using "homosexual" as a noun to label people can sometimes be perceived as impersonal or outdated.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • He is in a homosexual relationship. (This describes the nature of the relationship.)
  • The study focused on homosexual behavior in the animal kingdom. (This describes a type of behavior.)
• Noun:
  • The law protected the rights of homosexuals. (This identifies a group of people. Note: "gay people" is a more common contemporary phrasing.)

Advanced Usage

• Clinical/Historical Context: The term is frequently found in legal, medical, historical, or sociological texts.
  • The psychiatric community once classified homosexuality as a disorder.
• Derogatory Connotation: When used as a noun, especially in political or polemical speech, it can carry a negative connotation. It is generally considered more respectful to use "gay man," "lesbian," or "queer person" (if the individual uses that term).

Variants and Related Words

• Homosexuality (n): The quality or characteristic of being homosexual; sexual attraction to one's own sex.
  • The debate centered on the causes of homosexuality.
• Homosexually (adv): In a homosexual manner.
  • He lived homosexually but discreetly in a conservative society.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Gay, lesbian, same-sex-loving, queer (reclaimed term).
• Noun: Gay person, lesbian, queer person (reclaimed term).

Antonyms

• Heterosexual (adj/n): Sexually attracted to members of the opposite sex; a person with such attraction.
• Straight (adj, informal): Heterosexual.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "To come out as homosexual": To disclose one's homosexual orientation to others.
  • She came out as homosexual to her family last year.
• "Homosexual agenda": (Often used pejoratively) A term implying a coordinated political or social movement by LGBTQ+ people. This phrase is highly contentious and typically used by critics.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. sexually attracted to members of your own sex

Noun

1. someone who practices homosexuality; having a sexual attraction to persons of the same sex

Từ đồng nghĩa

• homophile
• homo
• gay