Word
sexually
Phoneticssex·u·al·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsɛkʃuəɫi/
UK/sˈɛkʃuːəli/
Adverb of manner
Definitions
01related to physical attraction
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. in a way that relates to physical attraction or sexual feelings.
adv. in a manner relating to sexual desire, orientation, or physical attraction.
“He found her sexually attractive from the moment they met.”
“The film explores the complex ways in which people are sexually drawn to onehouse another despite having nothing in common.”
Usage
Often used before adjectives like 'attractive', 'active', or 'explicit'.
Synonyms
02related to the act of sex
B2 · Upper Intermediate Medicine
adv. relating to the physical act of sex.
adv. with respect to the act of sexual intercourse.
“The doctor asked if he was currently sexually active.”
“Public health campaigns often focus on encouraging sexually active teenagers to practice safe habits to prevent the spread of disease.”
Usage
Commonly occurs in the fixed phrase 'sexually active'.
03biological reproduction
C1 · Advanced Science Technical
adv. how some living things produce babies by combining male and female cells.
adv. by means of sexual reproduction involving the fusion of gametes.
“Most mammals reproduce sexually rather than by making copies of themselves.”
“Biologists study why certain species evolved to reproduce sexually despite the high energy costs compared to asexual cloning.”
Usage
Almost exclusively used in biological or scientific contexts.
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “sexually” in context.
Real-World Examples
“Aaron was not the victim, but the teacher says he has always been in love with Aaron – though he is no longer sexually attracted to him.” “People sexually abused as children who seek help in later life for mental health problems are being failed by the NHS, senior doctors have told the BBC.” Etymology
From sexual + -ly.
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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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