heterosexuality: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2formal, academic, clinical, sociological
Quick answer
What does “heterosexuality” mean?
The quality of being sexually attracted to people of the opposite sex.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The quality of being sexually attracted to people of the opposite sex.
The state, condition, or trait of having a romantic, emotional, or sexual orientation toward persons of a different sex; historically, often treated as the presumed normative or default sexual orientation within a society.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between UK and US English.
Connotations
Both regions use the term in formal/academic contexts. In casual speech, 'straight' is more common. In contemporary discourse, particularly in LGBTQ+ and social justice contexts, the term often appears in discussions about norms and privilege.
Frequency
Frequency is higher in academic texts than in daily conversation in both variants.
Grammar
How to Use “heterosexuality” in a Sentence
Heterosexuality is often [verb, e.g., assumed, studied, discussed].The [adjective, e.g., social, cultural] construction of heterosexuality.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “heterosexuality” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The study aimed to heterosexualise the historical narrative, a controversial approach.
American English
- Some critics argue the media often heterosexualizes close friendships.
adjective
British English
- Heterosexual relationships were the only ones represented in the textbook.
American English
- He identified with heterosexual norms prevalent in his community.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used, except possibly in HR or DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) contexts discussing workplace policies.
Academic
Common in sociology, psychology, gender studies, and queer theory texts. Used to discuss sexual norms, identity, and social structures.
Everyday
Rare in casual talk. 'Straight' is the common term.
Technical
Used in clinical psychology, sexology, and legal documents concerning anti-discrimination laws.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “heterosexuality”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “heterosexuality”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “heterosexuality”
- Misspelling as 'heterosexulaity' or 'heteroseksuality'.
- Using it in overly casual contexts where 'straight' is more natural.
- Incorrectly assuming it describes a specific act rather than a sustained orientation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in simple terms. However, 'heterosexuality' is the formal, clinical, or sociological term, while 'straight' is the common, colloquial adjective.
While statistically common in many societies, from a scientific and social justice perspective, it is not an inherent biological default for all humans. Many cultures and scholars view it as one orientation among several.
Not in common usage. Related verbs like 'heterosexualize' exist in academic discourse but are very rare and often considered jargon.
It provides a specific, neutral term to discuss the majority orientation, allowing for analysis of societal norms, privilege, and the experiences of non-heterosexual people without using value-laden language like 'normal sexuality.'
The quality of being sexually attracted to people of the opposite sex.
Heterosexuality is usually formal, academic, clinical, sociological in register.
Heterosexuality: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhɛt(ə)rəʊˌsɛkʃuˈæləti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhɛtəroʊˌsɛkʃuˈæləti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms directly feature this term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HETEROsexuality = HETERO (different/other) + SEXUALITY. Think: attraction to the 'other' or opposite sex.
Conceptual Metaphor
Heterosexuality as a default path; heterosexuality as an institution (as in 'institutional heterosexuality').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'heterosexuality' MOST likely to be used?