homosexuality

homosexuality — noun

1. the tendency to feel romantic love or physical desire for people whose gender ma

1.nounB2
Definition

the tendency to feel romantic love or physical desire for people whose gender matches one's own; for instance, a woman who is drawn to other women, or a man who is drawn to other men.

Example

The book explores how attitudes toward homosexuality have changed over time.

attitudes toward [homosexuality]

Benjamin spoke openly about his homosexuality with close friends and family.

speak openly about [homosexuality]

Common collocations
  • attitudes toward ~
  • discrimination based on ~
  • acceptance of ~
  • open about ~
  • fear of ~
  • against ~
  • ~ rights
  • ~ equality
Synonyms
  • same-sex attraction

    a broader, more inclusive phrase that covers both romantic and sexual feelings; common in academic and respectful discourse.

  • gayness

    informal, but usually refers specifically to male homosexuality.

  • queerness

    a reclaimed identity term that can include any non-heterosexual orientation; favoured in LGBTQ+ communities but may still carry political connotations.

Antonyms

Usage Note

In everyday modern English, 'gay' (for men) and 'lesbian' (for women) are far more common than 'homosexual' or 'homosexuality.' The noun 'homosexuality' sounds clinical or formal, so it is best suited to academic writing, legal documents, or discussions of the orientation as a general concept. Avoid using 'homosexual' as a noun ('a homosexual') — this is considered outdated and may be offensive in modern English; use 'a gay person' or 'a lesbian' instead.

Common Mistakes

He is a homosexuality.
He is gay.
'Homosexuality' is the orientation, not a label for a person. Use 'gay' (adjective) to describe someone.
His homosexuality was accepted by the group.
His family accepted that he is gay.
Modern English prefers 'being gay' or 'that he is gay' over the abstract noun in personal contexts.

Word family

  • homosexual
    adjectiveB2
  • homosexual
    nounB2
  • gay
    adjectiveA2
  • lesbian
    nounB1
  • lesbian
    adjectiveB1
  • bisexual
    adjectiveB1
  • heterosexuality
    nounB2
  • homophobia
    nounB2
  • homophobic
    adjectiveB2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four terms relate to non-heterosexual orientation, but they differ in register and scope. 'Homosexual' (adj.) is the clinical, formal counterpart of the noun 'homosexuality'; it is widely understood but can sound dated in everyday speech. 'Gay' is the most common and neutral adjective for a person who is attracted to the same sex — it is also the preferred term in self-identification. 'Queer' is a reclaimed umbrella term that covers any identity outside heterosexual norms; it is used proudly within LGBTQ+ communities but can still be perceived as offensive by older generations. 'Same-sex attraction' is a descriptive phrase often used in academic or legal writing to avoid the clinical tone of 'homosexual' while being precise about the nature of the attraction. For everyday use, 'gay' is the safest and most natural choice. For example: 'Ilan is gay' sounds natural; 'Ilan is homosexual' sounds like a clinical report; 'Ilan is queer' is fine within LGBTQ+ circles but may raise eyebrows elsewhere.

homosexualgay ↗queersame-sex attraction

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • attitudes toward ~
  • fear of ~
  • acceptance of ~
  • discrimination based on ~

Prepositions