Homosexuality
/ˌhəʊməˈsɛksjʊəlɪti/
Definitions
Sexual attraction to people of the same sex.
/ˌhəʊməˈsɛksjʊəlɪti/
Sexual attraction to people of one's own sex.
She identifies as homosexual.
💡 Simply: It's when someone feels romantically and/or sexually attracted to people of the same gender. Imagine a guy who only likes other guys, or a woman who's only into other women. That's homosexuality!
👶 For kids: When boys like boys, or girls like girls, that's called homosexuality.
More Examples
The study investigated the biological factors that may contribute to homosexuality.
Legalization of same-sex marriage is a key issue related to homosexuality.
How It's Used
"Homosexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by attraction to the same gender."
"Societal attitudes towards homosexuality have varied across cultures and throughout history."
From Late Latin *homosexualis* (of the same sex), from Greek *homos* (same) + Latin *sexualis* (sexual). Coined in German as *Homosexualität* in the late 19th century by Karl-Maria Kertbeny, and popularized through the writings of Magnus Hirschfeld.
The term's usage evolved from a medical classification to a more accepted, identity-based term. Early uses were often clinical.
Memory tip
Think 'homo' (same) + 'sexuality' – attraction.