What does venereally mean?
Venereally is an adverb meaning in a manner relating to Venus, the Roman goddess of love, especially in a sexual or amorous sense. Its use can suggest that an action or description is concerned with physical desire, sensuality, or the language of love. In literary contexts, it often conveys a deliberately elevated or classical tone, as though a scene or relationship were being described in the vocabulary of mythology. The word can also occur in the established medical phrase 'venereally transmitted,' meaning transmitted through sexual contact; however, modern public-health language generally prefers 'sexually transmitted.' Venereally is therefore less common in everyday speech than sexually or intimately, but it is useful when discussing artistic descriptions of love and sexuality with a formal or historical emphasis. Its connection with Venus makes it especially memorable despite its relatively restricted modern use.
adverbIn a manner relating to Venus, the Roman goddess of love, especially in a sexual or amorous sense.
- In a manner relating to Venus or sexual love; in a sexual or amorous manner.
"Their reunion was described as venereal rather than merely physical."
"The poem presents the lovers' relationship as venereal, emphasizing desire as well as tenderness."
"The infection was described as venereally transmitted, although public-health officials preferred the term sexually transmitted."
From Venus, the Roman goddess of love, to modern descriptions of sexual love: venereally carries a mythological footnote in a single word.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of venereally
Venereally is formed from the adjective venereal with the adverbial suffix -ally. English borrowed venereal from French vénérien, which was based on Latin venereus, 'of Venus,' from Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty. The same Latin root is reflected in English words such as venerate, veneration, and venerable, which developed through related Latin religious vocabulary.
Related word forms
How venereally is actually used
The word is chiefly formal, literary, or dated. In medical and public-health contexts, the phrase 'venereally transmitted' is understood as 'sexually transmitted,' though modern usage often prefers that latter expression.
Easily confused with venereally
Venereally is an adverb meaning 'in a sexual or amorous manner,' while venereal is primarily an adjective relating to Venus or sexual love and, historically, to venereal disease.