Heterosexual
/ˌhɛtəroʊˈsɛkʃuəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsAttracted to or characterized by sexual or romantic attraction to the opposite sex.
/ˌhɛtəroʊˈsɛkʃuəl/
Attracted to the opposite sex.
He identified as a heterosexual man.
💡 Simply: Someone who likes people of the opposite gender. Like, a girl who likes boys or a boy who likes girls.
👶 For kids: When a boy likes a girl or a girl likes a boy.
More Examples
She has always been attracted to men, indicating a heterosexual orientation.
The film explored the lives of various individuals, including those in heterosexual relationships.
How It's Used
"Surveys often categorize individuals based on their heterosexual orientation."
"The study examined the physical health of both heterosexual and homosexual populations."
A person whose primary sexual or romantic attraction is to people of the opposite sex.
/ˌhɛtəroʊˈsɛkʃuəl/
A person attracted to the opposite sex.
The survey categorized participants into different sexual orientations, including heterosexuals.
💡 Simply: A person who likes people of the opposite gender.
👶 For kids: A boy or a girl who likes the opposite.
More Examples
The film explored the experiences of heterosexuals and homosexuals in society.
The study looked at the attitudes of heterosexuals towards different family structures.
How It's Used
"The study included both homosexuals and heterosexuals."
"Heterosexuals comprise the largest group in most societies."
From Greek *heteros* (different) and Latin *sexualis* (sexual). It emerged in the late 19th century to classify sexual orientations.
The term gained wider usage in the 20th century as a means of categorizing sexual behavior and identity, particularly in sociological and psychological studies.
Memory tip
Think 'hetero' (different) and 'sexual' to remember the attraction to the different sex.
Word Origin
"Different sex"