homosexual
/ˌhəʊməˈsekʃuəl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌhəʊməˈsekʃuəl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌhō-mə-ˈsek-sh(ə-)wəl -ˈsek-shəl/ (ame, mw) · /ˌhəʊ.məˈsek.ʃu.əl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌhoʊ.moʊˈsek.ʃu.əl/ (ame, ipa)
homosexual — adjective
- homosexualpositive
- more homosexualcomparative
- most homosexualsuperlative
1. describes a person who is sexually or romantically drawn to people of their own
describes a person who is sexually or romantically drawn to people of their own gender, rather than the opposite gender.
Mei-Lin came out as homosexual to her parents during her final year of university.
homosexual as predicative: came out as + homosexual
The survey asked participants whether they identified as heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual.
formal/clinical register: used in surveys and official contexts
David has been in a committed homosexual relationship for over twelve years now.
Many older homosexual men still remember a time when same-sex relationships were illegal in their country.
The clinic provides specialised healthcare services for the homosexual community in the region.
- heterosexual
the opposite orientation; attracted to the opposite gender
文法句型
be + homosexual
homosexual + noun (as attributive)
用法筆記
Frequently used as a clinical or formal term. In everyday conversation, 'gay' (for men) and 'lesbian' (for women) are more common. Many younger speakers consider 'homosexual' outdated or overly clinical; use 'same-sex' or 'gay' when the tone is neutral.
常見錯誤
homosexual — noun
- homosexualsingular
- homosexualsplural
1. a person who feels sexual or romantic attraction toward people of their own gend
a person who feels sexual or romantic attraction toward people of their own gender rather than the opposite gender.
The study tracked the mental health outcomes of young homosexuals over a ten-year period.
formal/clinical register: used in academic writing
Carlos argued that referring to someone as 'a homosexual' can sound dated and disrespectful.
usage note: noun form often considered outdated or offensive
The organisation was founded in the 1970s to defend the civil rights of homosexuals across the country.
Priya explained that many of her older relatives still use the term homosexuals when referring to gay people.
The pastor's speech condemned discrimination against homosexuals and called for equal treatment under the law.
- gay person
modern and natural; preferred over the noun 'homosexual'
- lesbian
specifically a woman attracted to women; the standard term
- gay man
specifically a man attracted to men; avoids ambiguity
- heterosexual
a person attracted to the opposite gender; opposite orientation
文法句型
a/the homosexual
homosexuals (plural)
用法筆記
The noun form ('a homosexual', 'homosexuals') is increasingly seen as dated or potentially offensive. Modern usage prefers 'gay person', 'gay people', 'lesbian', or 'gay man' — or simply referring to someone by the specific identity they use. The noun form appears most often in historical texts, academic studies, and legal documents.