# sexually

/ˈsɛkʃuəɫi/ (US) · /sˈɛkʃuːəli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sexually
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. related to physical attraction

adverb · CEFR B2

in a way that relates to physical attraction or sexual feelings.

For teachers: 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'.

### 2. related to the act of sex

adverb · CEFR B2

relating to the physical act of sex.

For teachers: 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'.

### 3. biological reproduction

adverb · CEFR C1 · Technical

how some living things produce babies by combining male and female cells.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The two characters are sexually attracted to each other.
- Some species of plants can reproduce both sexually and asexually depending on their environment.
- The study examines how different cultures perceive individuals who are sexually active outside of traditional social frameworks.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.