What does heterosexuality mean?
Heterosexuality is the state or orientation of being romantically or sexually attracted to people of the opposite sex or gender. As a noun, it is used when a precise term is needed for the orientation commonly described as heterosexual. The word is frequently discussed in relation to sexual orientation, identity, relationships, representation, and social attitudes. It appears in formal writing, education, health and social research, as well as in personal accounts and public debate, and is used across English-speaking regions, although legal and cultural attitudes toward sexual orientation vary considerably. The related adjective heterosexual can describe attraction, conduct, or a person, whereas heterosexuality normally denotes the broader orientation. Because sexuality encompasses both attraction and conduct, discussions should distinguish a person's stated orientation from assumptions about their behavior. The term is consequently useful when discussing patterns of attraction with clarity and without implying that a particular relationship or act defines a person.
nounRomantic or sexual attraction to people of the opposite sex or gender, regarded as a form of sexual orientation. In modern usage, it principally names a sexual orientation rather than a particular sexual act or relationship.
- Romantic or sexual attraction to people of the opposite sex or gender, considered as a sexual orientation.
"She explored her heterosexuality while navigating expectations about relationships and identity."
"The exhibition examines how heterosexuality has been represented in popular culture."
"He discussed his heterosexuality openly with friends and family."
Rare; the word is ordinarily used as an abstract singular and is pluralized only when referring to heterosexuality in multiple contexts or as one of several orientations.
"The study compared the heterosexuality of different social communities."
Its Greek root means “different,” but the word has become closely associated with attraction understood as one part of the broader spectrum of human sexuality.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does heterosexuality come from?
Heterosexuality was formed in English from hetero-, derived from Greek heteros, meaning “different” or “other,” and sexuality, whose Latin foundation is sexualis, meaning “pertaining to sex.” The adjective heterosexual was established in English by the late nineteenth century, while the abstract noun heterosexuality developed in the early twentieth century. Its early use contrasted attraction or relations with the opposite sex with homosexuality, while later usage placed it within the broader category of sexual orientation.
Related word forms
How heterosexuality is actually used
This is a standard formal and academic term used in education, health, research, and personal accounts of sexual orientation. It names an orientation and should not automatically be treated as proof of a person's sexual behavior.