ENGLISH
REFERENCE

gay

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈɡeɪ// UK //ɡˈeɪ// gay Archaic Dialect General-service Humorous Informal Slang Vulgar

adj. describing someone who is sexually or romantically attracted to people of their own gender. It is a common and respectful word used by people to describe themselves.

adj. pertaining to or identifying as a person whose sexual or romantic orientation is toward individuals of the same gender. While historically used for men, it is now frequently used as an umbrella term for all same-sex orientations.


SIMPLE

He is a gay man who lives with his partner.

CONTEXTUAL

The city hosts a large parade every summer to celebrate the history and rights of the gay community.

COMPLEX

Sociological studies often examine how gay identity intersects with other demographic factors to influence a person's experience within the broader professional landscape.

Synonyms
Usage

Primarily used as an adjective; when used as a noun, it can sometimes be perceived as overly clinical or occasionally offensive depending on the context.

Pitfall

He is a gay.He is gay.In modern English, it is more natural and respectful to use the word as an adjective rather than a noun.

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