sexual relations: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Legal, Medical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “sexual relations” mean?
Interactions between individuals that involve sexual activity or intercourse.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Interactions between individuals that involve sexual activity or intercourse.
A broad term for activities of a sexual nature between people, ranging from physical intimacy to intercourse. It can also refer to the overall state of a sexual connection between individuals, as in diplomatic or social contexts (e.g., 'normalisation of sexual relations between the groups').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'Have sexual relations with' is the standard phrasing in both. In the US, the term gained specific legal/political prominence during the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries formal, often clinical or legal connotations. In everyday speech, simpler terms like 'sleep with' or 'have sex with' are more common.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to its high-profile use in legal and media contexts in the late 1990s, but remains a formal term in both.
Grammar
How to Use “sexual relations” in a Sentence
[Person/Group A] has/had sexual relations with [Person/Group B].[Person] engaged in sexual relations.The nature of their sexual relations.Sexual relations between [A] and [B].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sexual relations” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They were alleged to have had sexual relations.
- The act does not require the parties to have engaged in sexual relations.
American English
- The witness denied having sexual relations with the defendant.
- The statute defines unlawful sexual relations with a minor.
adverb
British English
- N/A. 'Sexually' is used instead (e.g., 'sexually active').
American English
- N/A. 'Sexually' is used instead (e.g., 'sexually intimate').
adjective
British English
- A sexual-relations counsellor was appointed.
- The sexual-relations aspect of their partnership was discussed.
American English
- The sexual-relations clause in the contract was controversial.
- He faced sexual-relations misconduct charges.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in HR/legal policies regarding workplace conduct.
Academic
Common in sociology, psychology, law, and gender studies texts.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual conversation; considered overly formal or technical.
Technical
Standard in medical reports, legal documents (e.g., statutes on 'unlawful sexual relations'), and psychological assessments.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sexual relations”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sexual relations”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sexual relations”
- Using it in casual conversation (e.g., 'We had sexual relations' sounds odd to a friend).
- Using it as a countable noun incorrectly (e.g., 'a sexual relation'). It is almost always plural.
- Confusing it with 'relationship', which is a broader emotional/social bond.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In many formal contexts, yes, but it is a broader term that can encompass a range of intimate activities, not just intercourse. It is the preferred term in legal and medical language for its technical precision.
Almost never. The term is a fixed plural noun. You would not say 'a sexual relation' to mean an instance of sexual activity.
Its Latinate roots ('sexual' from Latin 'sexualis', 'relations' from Latin 'relatio') and its use in professional domains (law, medicine, academia) give it a detached, technical quality unsuitable for casual speech.
In everyday English, people more commonly say 'have sex', 'sleep together', or 'be intimate'. The choice depends on the desired level of directness and formality.
Sexual relations: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsekʃuəl rɪˈleɪʃ(ə)nz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsekʃuəl rɪˈleɪʃənz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be intimate with someone”
- “To sleep together”
- “To have an affair (specifically extramarital)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a formal REPORT on RELATIONSHIPS that are specifically SEXUAL. The word 'relations' makes it sound like a diplomatic or official connection, but of a physical kind.
Conceptual Metaphor
SEXUAL ACTIVITY IS A FORMAL CONNECTION/AGREEMENT (e.g., 'entered into sexual relations').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'sexual relations' LEAST likely to be used?