homosexual

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "homosexual" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person who is attracted to someone of the same gender, for example, "My cousin is a homosexual."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Chope asked Cameron in the first question at prime minister's questions: "Can [he] say in response to the many concerns expressed in yesterday's debate will he ensure that civil partnerships are open to heterosexual couples on an equal basis with homosexual couples?" The prime minister replied: "I will obviously listen carefully to what he says.

The Guardian

He said the move was of "really symbolic importance because it says homosexual acts should never have been a crime in the first place".

The Guardian

From the stage the actors could see the misery etched on their faces, condemned to sit in a sweltering theatre and watch a play about heterosexual and homosexual love in New York when all their mates were down the pub screaming advice at Paul Gascoigne.

The Guardian

Interspersed with the condemnations of homosexual deviance were jivey musical interludes, dance performance and songs by school choirs.

The Guardian

The spectre of the homosexual lobby loomed large at the rally, and featured in a booklet on sale by the ushers at the rally.

The Guardian

Based on his own experiences, Sunday, Bloody Sunday (1971) starred Finch as a homosexual doctor in love with a young man who also shares his favours with a woman (Glenda Jackson).

The Guardian

The sex scene between two men in Priest was absolutely central to the narrative of a homosexual priest whose sexuality was hidden, but it also showed me that male sexuality, of any sort, can be seen as tender, beautiful and also erotically charged.

The Guardian - Opinion

Literature began to pepper the windshields of cars at political events suggesting that Mr. McCain had committed treason while a prisoner of war in North Vietnam, that he was mentally unstable after years in a POW camp, that he was the homosexual candidate and that Mrs McCain, who had admitted to abusing prescription drugs years earlier, was an addict.

The Guardian

WE RECOMMEND YOU SEE... George Chakravarthi is what is politely known as a bundle of contradictions: a transvestite homosexual, born in New Delhi but brought up a Catholic.

The Guardian

The no campaign, whatever its intention, has reiterated the ugly fiction that homosexual relationships are inherently inferior to their heterosexual counterparts.

The Guardian

Other studies have indicated that when homophobic abuse wasn't a factor, homosexual students are psychologically indistinguishable from heterosexual students.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "homosexual" when a formal or clinical term is appropriate. In many contexts, "gay" or "lesbian" are preferred for being less clinical and more widely accepted.

Common error

Avoid using outdated or offensive language when referring to people of same-sex attraction. Words like "faggot" or other slurs are deeply hurtful and should never be used.

Linguistic Context

The term "homosexual" functions primarily as an adjective to describe a sexual orientation characterized by attraction to individuals of the same sex. It can also function as a noun referring to individuals with this orientation. Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "homosexual" functions as both an adjective and a noun, primarily in formal and neutral contexts to describe same-sex attraction. While grammatically correct, it's crucial to consider the audience and context, as more inclusive and less clinical terms like "gay" or "LGBT" are often preferred. Ludwig AI confirms the word's correctness and usability. With a high source quality score, the term's prevalence is notable in news, formal documents, and scientific literature, underscoring its relevance in discussions surrounding LGBT issues. Always prioritize respectful and inclusive language when discussing sexual orientation.

Alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gay

A more common and often less clinical term for someone attracted to the same sex.

lesbian

Specifically refers to a female who is attracted to other females.

same-sex attracted

A more neutral and descriptive term for individuals attracted to the same sex.

LGBT

An initialism referring to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.

homophile

An older term, now less common, for a person who is attracted to people of the same sex.

person of same-sex orientation

A formal and clinical way of describing someone attracted to the same sex.

More alternative expressions

comrade

homophobic

lesbian

gay

same

FAQs

How is "homosexual" used in a sentence?

The term "homosexual" can be used as an adjective, as in "homosexual relationships," or as a noun, as in "He identifies as homosexual."

What is a less clinical alternative to "homosexual"?

Alternatives like "gay" (for men) and "lesbian" (for women) are generally preferred in everyday conversation.

When is it appropriate to use the term "homosexual"?

The term "homosexual" is suitable in clinical, academic, or formal contexts where a precise and technical term is needed. However, more inclusive and preferred terms like "LGBT" or "gay" are favored in general usage.

What is the difference between "homosexual" and "gay"?

"Homosexual" is a formal, clinical term referring to sexual attraction to the same sex. "Gay" is a more common and widely accepted term, particularly for men, while "lesbian" refers specifically to women attracted to other women.