homosexual
1 ENTRIES FOUND:
Britannica Dictionary definition of HOMOSEXUAL
somewhat formal
1
now sometimes disapproving + offensive
:
sexually or romantically attracted to people of the same sex
2
now sometimes disapproving + offensive
:
based on or showing a sexual attraction to people of the same sex
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compare bisexual, heterosexual
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homosexual attraction
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a homosexual relationship
◊ The adjective homosexual is now sometimes considered offensive since it is associated with negative stereotypes and outdated medical understandings of homosexuality. The adjectives gay (when referring to men or to women) and lesbian (when referring to women) are often preferred.
— homosexual
noun, plural homosexuals now often disapproving + offensive [count]-
bias against homosexuals
◊ The noun homosexual is now often considered offensive since it is associated with negative stereotypes and outdated medical understandings of homosexuality. Phrases that use the adjectives gay and lesbian, such as “a gay man,” “a lesbian couple,” and “gay people,” are often preferred.
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our evolving understanding of homosexuality
◊ The noun homosexuality is still commonly used in technical and formal contexts. Outside of those contexts, it is sometimes considered offensive due to its association with negative stereotypes and outdated medical understandings of homosexuality.
