homosexuality
gb/hˌoʊmoʊsˌɛkʃuˈælɪti/ us/hˌoʊmoʊsˌɛkʃuˈælɪti/
B2
English
~ 6600
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
state
1
sexual orientation toward same sex
The sexual orientation of being mainly attracted in love or sex to people of the same sex or gender as yourself.
Usage pattern:
someone's homosexuality; homosexuality in [society]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use "homosexuality" to refer to a person, saying *"a homosexuality"* or *"many homosexualities"*. This is incorrect: "homosexuality" is an uncountable noun and names the orientation, not an individual. Use "a homosexual person", "a gay man", or "a lesbian woman" for people. Learners may also confuse the adjective "homosexual" (e.g., "homosexual relationships") with the noun "homosexuality" (e.g., "homosexuality is illegal").
Synonyms
same-sex orientation (More technical or descriptive; used especially in academic or clinical contexts.)
|
being gay (More informal and conversational; often focuses on identity, especially for men.)
Antonyms
heterosexuality (Refers to sexual orientation toward people of the opposite sex, which is the main contrast to homosexuality.)
|
asexuality (Describes having little or no sexual attraction to others, which is an opposite in terms of experiencing sexual attraction at all.)
Collocations
accept homosexuality
|hide one's homosexuality
|open about one's homosexuality
|homosexuality and heterosexuality
|attitudes toward homosexuality
|persecution of homosexuality
Themes
relationships
|identity
|society
|health
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The study found that public acceptance of homosexuality has increased over the last decade.
- He first began to understand his homosexuality when he was in high school.
- Some countries still criminalize homosexuality, while others legally protect it.
- She struggled with internalized shame about her homosexuality before coming out to her family.
- Discrimination based on homosexuality is illegal in many workplaces.
Learner examples
- He talked to his parents about his homosexuality.
- In some places, homosexuality is accepted, but in others it is not.
- The film shows how society’s views on homosexuality have changed.
- She read a book about homosexuality and human rights.
- They want equal rights, no matter their homosexuality or heterosexuality.
Noun
C1
entity
2
same-sex relations as a social issue
Sex or romantic relationships between people of the same sex, talked about as a question in law, religion, or society.
Usage pattern:
homosexuality in [law/religion]; debate over homosexuality
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize that in legal or religious contexts, "homosexuality" often means same-sex acts or relationships, not just inner feelings. This can change the tone of a sentence. For example, "the law bans homosexuality" usually refers to banning same-sex sexual acts, not banning an orientation in someone’s mind.
Synonyms
same-sex relations (More neutral and often used in legal or policy discussions to focus on relationships or acts rather than identity.)
Antonyms
heterosexual relations (Refers to sexual or romantic relations between people of different sexes, which is the direct social and legal contrast.)
Collocations
criminalize homosexuality
|decriminalize homosexuality
|legal status of homosexuality
|religious views on homosexuality
|ban on homosexuality
|tolerance of homosexuality
Themes
society
|law
|religion
|politics
|relationships
Examples
- The new law finally decriminalized homosexuality, ending decades of punishment for same-sex couples.
- Some religious groups still officially condemn homosexuality, while others have become more accepting.
- Debates over homosexuality continue to influence elections and public policy in many countries.
- Textbooks now discuss homosexuality alongside heterosexuality when talking about human sexuality.
- Activists protested the proposed bill that would further restrict homosexuality in the country.
Learner examples
- In this country, homosexuality was illegal until 1990.
- The church has changed its position on homosexuality in recent years.
- There is a big public debate about homosexuality and marriage laws.
- Many young people think laws against homosexuality are unfair.
- Some leaders use strong language when they talk about homosexuality.
Grammar
Dictionary form
homosexuality
IPA
GB/hˌoʊmoʊsˌɛkʃuˈælɪti/
US/hˌoʊmoʊsˌɛkʃuˈælɪti/
Syllables & stress
ho - mo - sexu - al - ity (5 syllables)
Stress on 5th syllable (ity)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: homosexuality
- Plural: homosexualities, homosexuality
Word family
Forms
homosexualities
noun
Core family
homosexual
adjective B1
Negative and opposite forms
heterosexuality
noun
heterosexual
adjective B2
Advanced or less common
homosexually
adverb
homophobia
noun
homophobic
adjective
Expressions
accept homosexuality
1/æksˈɛpt hˌoʊmoʊsˌɛkʃuˈælɪti/
fixed phrase
see homosexuality as acceptable
To think that homosexuality is okay and should be respected in society.
Examples
- Younger generations are more likely to accept homosexuality than their grandparents.
- The survey showed that a majority of citizens now accept homosexuality as a normal part of life.
condemn homosexuality
1/kəndˈɛm hˌoʊmoʊsˌɛkʃuˈælɪti/
fixed phrase
say homosexuality is wrong
To state very strongly that homosexuality is bad or morally wrong.
Examples
- Some religious leaders still publicly condemn homosexuality.
- Human rights groups criticized politicians who used the speech to condemn homosexuality.
criminalize homosexuality
1/kɹˈɪmənəlˌaɪz hˌoʊmoʊsˌɛkʃuˈælɪti/
fixed phrase
make homosexuality illegal
To make laws that say homosexuality is a crime and can be punished.
Examples
- Several countries still criminalize homosexuality with long prison sentences.
- International pressure is growing on governments that criminalize homosexuality.
decriminalize homosexuality
1/dikɹˌɪmənəlˈaɪz hˌoʊmoʊsˌɛkʃuˈælɪti/
fixed phrase
stop treating homosexuality as crime
To change the law so that homosexuality is no longer a crime.
Examples
- The country decriminalized homosexuality in the 1990s.
- Activists are campaigning to decriminalize homosexuality worldwide.
hide one's homosexuality
1/hˈaɪd wˈʌnz hˌoʊmoʊsˌɛkʃuˈælɪti/
fixed phrase
keep homosexuality secret
To keep the fact that you are homosexual a secret from other people.
Examples
- He felt he had to hide his homosexuality at work.
- In some families, people still hide their homosexuality for fear of being rejected.