opposite sex
C1Formal / Neutral
Definition
Meaning
The other of the two conventional sexes or genders (men relative to women, or women relative to men), used primarily in the context of biological and social differences.
Refers to individuals collectively or attractions/interactions defined by gender difference; often used in contexts discussing relationships, social dynamics, biology, and societal roles.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a collective noun phrase. Can be seen as somewhat binary and formal; in more contemporary or inclusive contexts, terms like 'other gender' or specific identities may be preferred.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Usage is identical. Slight preference for 'opposite gender' in some modern American contexts, but the phrase is standard in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral in both, though can carry connotations of traditional, binary gender views. In formal writing (e.g., legal, academic), it remains standard.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties. Slightly declining in very informal spoken language in favour of more specific phrasing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + the opposite sex (e.g., attract, understand, meet)preposition + the opposite sex (e.g., interest in, friendship with)adjective + opposite sex (e.g., opposite-sex attraction, opposite-sex friend)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Vive la différence! (humorous, celebrating differences between sexes)”
- “The war between the sexes”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in diversity & inclusion policies or demographic reports (e.g., 'representation of both sexes').
Academic
Common in sociology, psychology, and biology texts discussing gender relations, attraction, or differences.
Everyday
Common in general conversation about relationships, dating, and social interactions.
Technical
Used in medical, psychological, and demographic contexts to denote biological sex distinctions.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- They are in an opposite-sex civil partnership.
- The study focused on opposite-sex friendships.
American English
- They are in an opposite-sex marriage.
- The survey asked about opposite-sex attraction.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He has many friends of the opposite sex.
- Children often play with friends of the opposite sex.
- She finds it easy to talk to members of the opposite sex.
- The party was a chance to meet people of the opposite sex.
- His research examines communication styles between the opposite sexes.
- Attraction to the opposite sex is a common theme in adolescence.
- The documentary explored the evolving dynamics of opposite-sex friendships in the workplace.
- Societal norms often prescribe specific behaviours for interactions with the opposite sex.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'OPPOSITE' on a compass pointing the 'other' way. The 'opposite sex' points to the 'other' of the two main sexes.
Conceptual Metaphor
GENDER IS A BINARY SPECTRUM (two opposite poles); ATTRACTION IS A MAGNETIC FORCE (pulling toward the opposite pole).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid calquing structure from Russian 'противоположный пол' word-for-word in creative writing; it's correct but can sound formal. In informal speech, English often uses more specific phrasing like 'guys' or 'girls'.
- The phrase is a noun phrase, not an adjective. Do not use as 'opposite-sexual' or 'opposite-sexic'.
Common Mistakes
- Using as an adjective without a hyphen (e.g., 'opposite sex friend' should be 'opposite-sex friend').
- Using plural incorrectly (e.g., 'opposites sexes').
- Confusing with 'same sex' in quick speech.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'opposite sex' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is standard in formal and biological contexts but is based on a binary (male/female) view of sex. In discussions inclusive of non-binary or transgender identities, more precise language (e.g., 'people of a different gender') may be preferred.
Yes, but it must be hyphenated when placed before a noun (e.g., 'an opposite-sex couple'). Without the hyphen, it is incorrect.
'Opposite sex' typically refers to biological sex distinction. 'Other gender' can be broader, encompassing social and personal gender identity, and is often perceived as slightly more modern and inclusive.
Yes, commonly in biological and zoological contexts (e.g., 'The male bird displays to the opposite sex').