sexuality

/ˌsekʃuˈæləti/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌsekʃuˈæləti/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌsek-shə-ˈwa-lə-tē/ (ame, mw)

sexuality — noun

  • sexualitysingular
  • sexualitiesplural

1. The part of a person's nature that relates to having and expressing sexual feeli

1.名詞B2
釋義

The part of a person's nature that relates to having and expressing sexual feelings, desires, and physical responses.

例句

Olivia felt confused about her own sexuality during her teenage years.

uncountable noun used with possessive

After her divorce at forty, Ingrid noticed her sexuality had shifted in unexpected ways.

同義詞
  • sexual nature

    More formal; emphasizes inherent quality rather than experience

  • libido

    Narrower; focuses on the biological urge or drive for sex

  • sensuality

    Broader; can include non-sexual physical pleasure such as touch or taste

反義詞
  • asexuality

    The state of experiencing little or no sexual attraction

文法句型

someone's sexuality

sexuality + verb

用法筆記

Often used with a possessive determiner (her sexuality, their sexuality) or as an uncountable noun. This sense covers the broadest range of meaning and can overlap with the other senses — context determines which shade is intended.

常見錯誤

❌Her sexuality was interrupted when the children came home.
✅Her sexual encounter was interrupted when the children came home.
💡'sexuality' refers to a person's capacity for sexual feelings, not a specific sexual act.
❌The doctor asked about my sexuality' (when meaning 'sex life').
✅The doctor asked about my sex life.
💡'sexuality' is about orientation and capacity, while 'sex life' refers to actual sexual activity.

2. The way a person shows or communicates their sexual feelings through behaviour,

2.名詞C1
釋義

The way a person shows or communicates their sexual feelings through behaviour, appearance, language, or choices.

例句

Hassan felt uncomfortable with how the advertisement used sexuality to sell perfume.

collocation: use sexuality to [purpose]

Lotte expresses her sexuality through bright clothing and her confident way of speaking.

同義詞
  • sexual expression

    More deliberate and active; emphasizes the act of showing

  • sexual display

    Suggests performance or showing off; can be negative in tone

  • eroticism

    More artistic or literary register; focuses on arousing quality

文法句型

someone's sexuality

express + someone's sexuality

用法筆記

Frequently carries a judgemental tone — describing something as 'using' or 'exploiting' sexuality implies criticism. Neutral expressions include 'expressing' or 'showing' one's sexuality.

常見錯誤

❌His sexuality was very loud at the party' (vague).
✅He expressed his sexuality boldly at the party through his outfit and dance moves.
💡be specific about how the sexuality is being shown rather than treating 'sexuality' as an abstract quality that can be 'loud.'

3. The pattern of a person's romantic or physical attraction toward individuals of

3.名詞B2
釋義

The pattern of a person's romantic or physical attraction toward individuals of one gender, multiple genders, or no gender — for example, being attracted to men, women, both, or neither.

例句

Otis talked to his parents about his sexuality when he was sixteen years old.

collocation: talk about/discuss one's sexuality

The school set up a support group for students who are questioning their sexuality.

collocation: question one's sexuality

同義詞
  • sexual orientation

    More formal and clinical; preferred in official forms and research

  • sexual identity

    Broader; may include how a person labels themselves culturally or politically

  • orientation

    Shortened form; common in informal conversation among younger speakers

文法句型

someone's sexuality

question + someone's sexuality

accept + someone's sexuality

用法筆記

In modern usage, this sense overlaps significantly with the term 'sexual orientation'. 'Sexuality' is the more conversational term, while 'sexual orientation' tends to appear in formal, clinical, or legal contexts.

常見錯誤

❌He changed his sexuality when he transitioned.
✅His gender identity changed when he transitioned; his sexuality stayed the same.
💡'sexuality' (sense 3) refers to who you are attracted to, not your own gender.
❌My sexuality is non-binary.
✅My gender is non-binary. My sexuality is pansexual.
💡'sexuality' describes attraction patterns toward others, not your own gender identity.

4. People who share a particular pattern of romantic or physical attraction, consid

4.名詞C1
釋義

People who share a particular pattern of romantic or physical attraction, considered as a social or political group rather than as individuals.

例句

The Manila Diversity Forum brought together activists and scholars of every sexuality and gender identity.

collective reference: people of every sexuality

Arjun's study in Mumbai examined how sexuality affects hiring at IT firms in India.

同義詞
  • sexual community

    Emphasizes shared social bonds and culture rather than just attraction patterns

  • sexuality group

    More neutral; appears in social science writing

文法句型

people of all/every sexuality

diverse sexuality

forms of sexuality

用法筆記

Used when referring to communities or populations rather than individual identities. Common in discussions about legal rights, media representation, and social inclusion. Unlike sense 3, this sense treats sexuality as a demographic category.

常見錯誤

❌People of every sexuality should be respected' (ambiguous — could mean sense 3 or 4).
✅People of every sexuality deserve equal legal protection.
💡when discussing group rights, the context makes the collective meaning clear.