Word
sexuality
Phoneticssex·u·al·i·ty, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌsɛkʃuˈæɫəti/
UK/sˈɛkʃuːˈælɪti/
Definitions
01sexual orientation and identity
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the way you feel attraction to others, such as being gay, straight, or bisexual.
n. a person's sexual orientation or preference, encompassing their identity in relation to the gender or genders to which they are attracted.
“University is often a time when young people explore their sexuality and identity.”
“The survey asked participants to disclose their sexuality to ensure the data reflected a diverse range of perspectives on dating apps.”
Synonyms
02sexual nature or feelings
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic
n. the part of a person's character that involves sexual feelings and physical desire.
n. the capacity for sexual feelings or the quality of being sexual in nature.
“The book discusses how society views female sexuality in different cultures.”
“Freudian theory posits that human sexuality is a primary driving force behind much of our subconscious behaviour and social development.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “sexuality” in context.
Verb
01. embrace their sexuality
“The campaign encourages people to embrace their sexuality and live authentically.”
verb + possessive + noun
02. explore their sexuality
“University is often a time when young adults begin to explore their sexuality in a safe environment.”
verb + possessive + noun
03. repress their sexuality
“For decades, many individuals felt forced to repress their sexuality due to societal pressure.”
verb + possessive + noun
Adjective
04. fluid sexuality
“The novel depicts a character with a fluid sexuality that evolves throughout the story.”
adj + noun
05. latent sexuality
“The film explores the protagonist's latent sexuality, which only surfaces later in life.”
adj + noun
06. overt sexuality
“Critics debated whether the music video's overt sexuality was empowering or exploitative.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. aspects of sexuality
“The seminar covered various psychological and biological aspects of sexuality.”
noun + of + noun
08. expression of sexuality
“Art has always been a powerful medium for the free expression of sexuality.”
noun + of + noun
Real-World Examples
“They have never concealed their sexuality and have evolved almost entirely in the public eye, which has included some stumbles.” “Photograph: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions “My mum accepted my sexuality,” he says.” Etymology
Borrowed from New Latin sexuālitās.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/sexuality