contrasexual: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowAcademic / Technical
Quick answer
What does “contrasexual” mean?
Relating to or characterized by opposition to or rejection of traditional sexual norms, roles, or identities.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to or characterized by opposition to or rejection of traditional sexual norms, roles, or identities.
Pertaining to psychological concepts where an individual's unconscious contains elements of the opposite sex, or more broadly, to theories challenging binary gender constructs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional differences in meaning or usage. The term is confined to specific academic fields in both regions.
Connotations
In both varieties, carries strong academic/technical connotations. May imply a theoretical or critical stance towards gender binarism.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both British and American English. Slightly more likely to be encountered in American academic texts due to the prominence of gender studies programs.
Grammar
How to Use “contrasexual” in a Sentence
[be] contrasexual[possess] a contrasexual [element/archetype][analyze] the contrasexualVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “contrasexual” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Jung proposed that every man has a contrasexual archetype called the anima.
- Her thesis explored contrasexual imagery in modern poetry.
American English
- The analyst focused on the patient's contrasexual dreams.
- His theory incorporates a strong contrasexual component.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in psychoanalysis, analytical psychology, gender studies, and queer theory to discuss internal gender opposites or critiques of binary models.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary context, specifically in psychological and sociological technical literature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “contrasexual”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “contrasexual”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “contrasexual”
- Using it as a synonym for 'homosexual' or 'bisexual'.
- Using it in everyday contexts.
- Misspelling as 'contra-sexual' with a hyphen.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare, specialized term used almost exclusively in academic fields like psychoanalysis and gender studies.
No, they are completely different. 'Homosexual' describes sexual orientation. 'Contrasexual' is a theoretical term about internal psychological opposites or opposition to sexual/gender norms.
It is not recommended, as it will likely not be understood by most people. More common terms like 'gender non-conforming' or 'androgynous' might be suitable depending on the intended meaning.
The term is strongly associated with the work of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, who used it to describe the inner unconscious opposite-sex component (anima/animus).
Relating to or characterized by opposition to or rejection of traditional sexual norms, roles, or identities.
Contrasexual is usually academic / technical in register.
Contrasexual: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒn.trəˈsek.ʃu.əl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːn.trəˈsek.ʃu.əl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The contrasexual within”
- “Embracing the contrasexual”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'CONTRA' (against) + 'SEXUAL' (related to sex/gender) = opposing standard sexual/gender ideas.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE PSYCHE IS A BATTLEGROUND (for masculine/feminine elements). THE SELF IS A UNION OF OPPOSITES.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'contrasexual' MOST appropriately used?