Sexuality
/ˌsekʃuˈælɪti/
Definitions
2 meaningsA person's sexual orientation or preferences; the state or quality of being sexual.
/ˌsekʃuˈælɪti/
A person's sexual preference, attraction, and behavior.
Her sexuality is an important part of her identity.
💡 Simply: Sexuality is all about who you're attracted to and how you feel about having relationships. It's about your romantic and sexual preferences. Like, if you're a person who likes both girls and boys, your sexuality might be bisexual! Everyone has a sexuality.
👶 For kids: It's about who you like, like if you like boys or girls!
More Examples
Understanding different expressions of sexuality is crucial.
The documentary explored various aspects of human sexuality.
How It's Used
"The study explored different aspects of human sexuality."
"Societal norms heavily influence how individuals express their sexuality."
"Reproduction is a fundamental function linked to sexuality."
The state or quality of being sexual; the capacity for sexual feelings.
/ˌsekʃuˈælɪti/
The state or quality of being sexual.
The doctor discussed potential medical conditions that might affect sexuality.
💡 Simply: Sexuality is about the fact that people have bodies and feelings that are connected to sex. It's about how we feel pleasure and attraction, the way we show our desire for it or how we show our care for others.
👶 For kids: It's when you feel like you're a girl or a boy and like when you feel something in your body.
More Examples
The film explores the complexities of human sexuality.
Sexuality is a fundamental aspect of human experience.
How It's Used
"Changes in hormone levels can affect sexuality."
"The novel explores themes of repressed sexuality."
"The artwork challenges traditional representations of sexuality."
Idioms & expressions
Sexual orientation
A person's romantic and/or sexual attraction to others.
"Her sexual orientation is lesbian."
Sexual identity
How a person perceives themselves in terms of their sexuality.
"Exploring one's sexual identity can be a journey."
Human sexuality
The study of how people experience sex, including their sexual feelings and behavior.
"Research in human sexuality has expanded greatly in recent years."
From Latin *sexualis* (pertaining to sex) + -ity (forming nouns). The word gained prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the rise of sexology and psychological studies.
The term became widely used in scientific and sociological discourse in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, replacing earlier, more general concepts like 'sexual instinct'.
Memory tip
Think of 'sexual-ity' - what makes someone sexual? Their desires, attractions, and how they express them.