androgynous

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "androgynous" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to a person or thing that has traits associated with both sexes, so it can be used when referring to someone or something with this quality. For example: "The fashion model had an androgynous look, as her outfit and hairstyle appeared to be neither male nor female."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At fashion boutique Bodice, owner Ruchika Sachdeva offers androgynous design, unconventional cuts and uses traditional methods such as block printing.

The Guardian - Travel

Foxx explains that he changed his name to ensure better slots on the open-mic circuit, reasoning that female performers were usually called up first and that an androgynous tag might prove an advantage.

The Guardian - Film

In the 20th-century, as homophobic European Christian influences increased among many Native Americans, respect for same-sex love and for androgynous persons greatly declined.

The Guardian - Music

This alternative gender status offers a range of possibilities, from slightly effeminate males or masculine females, to androgynous or transgender persons, to those who completely cross-dress and act as the other gender.

The Guardian - Music

The creation of his androgynous persona, and the discovery of the possibilities of his voice, was a mix-and-match of influence and experiment conducted over many years.

The Guardian - Music

In fact, if memory serves, we took one listen to Nomi's deep, husky, androgynous tones, clocked the post-rap context, and described her as "Sade meets Wu-Tang Clan's RZA".

The Guardian - Music

In contrast, children who played with a more androgynous "Mrs Potato Head" figure showed greater faith in their abilities to take on male-dominated roles.

The Guardian

The look is pared-back, anonymous and androgynous.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Since everything that exists is thought to come from the spirit world, androgynous or transgender persons are seen as doubly blessed, having both the spirit of a man and the spirit of a woman.

The Guardian - Music

Among some groups, such as the Navajo, a family was believed to be economically benefited by having a "nadleh" (literally translated as "one who is transformed") androgynous person as a relative.

The Guardian - Music

Native Americans have often held intersex, androgynous people, feminine males and masculine females in high respect.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a style or aesthetic, use "androgynous" to accurately convey a blending of masculine and feminine traits.

Common error

Avoid using "androgynous" to describe individuals who simply defy traditional gender roles without embodying a mix of both masculine and feminine traits. Androgyny is about blending, not just breaking, gender norms.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "androgynous" primarily functions as a descriptive term. It modifies nouns to indicate a blending or lack of clear distinction between traditionally masculine and feminine characteristics, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

6%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "androgynous" functions as a descriptive adjective, commonly used to convey a blend of masculine and feminine characteristics across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Its usage spans news, encyclopedias, and scientific domains, denoting a neutral register with occasional formal applications. When using this term, consider the specific nuances you want to highlight and avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives such as "gender neutral" or "epicene" can provide more precise meanings depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gender neutral

Focuses on the lack of gender distinction rather than the combination of both.

epicene

Describes characteristics that are neither distinctly masculine nor feminine.

unisex

Implies suitability for both genders, focusing on broader applicability.

gender-ambiguous

Highlights the uncertainty or difficulty in determining gender.

ambiguous gender

Highlights the uncertainty or difficulty in determining gender.

sexless

Suggests a lack of sexual characteristics, which can be a component of androgyny.

gender fluid

Indicates a dynamic shift between gender expressions, related to androgyny but more focused on change.

gender non-conforming

Emphasizes deviation from traditional gender norms, which can lead to an androgynous appearance.

intersex

Describes biological variations that don't fit typical male or female definitions, a more biological term than androgynous.

hermaphroditic

Possessing both male and female reproductive organs; a biological term, whereas androgynous is often stylistic.

FAQs

How to use "androgynous" in a sentence?

You can use "androgynous" to describe appearances, styles, or artistic expressions that blend both masculine and feminine qualities. For example, "The model's style was distinctly androgynous".

What can I say instead of "androgynous"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "gender neutral", "epicene", or "unisex".

Which is correct, "androgynous look" or "androgynous appearance"?

Both "androgynous look" and "androgynous appearance" are correct and commonly used. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

What's the difference between "androgynous" and "transgender"?

"Androgynous" refers to the blending of masculine and feminine traits in appearance or style, while "transgender" refers to individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.