virginity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virginity" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the state of never having engaged in sexual intercourse. Example: "The concept of virginity varies greatly across different cultures and societies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Damian here compares virgin birth to going through doors without opening them and restoration of virginity to closing doors that have been opened.

SEP

The virgin birth is like going through doors without opening them; the restoring of virginity is like closing doors that have been opened (611B-C).

SEP

He'd lost his virginity at 16 to a troubled girl in a secure unit.

The Guardian

In the next episode, a man was killed, and before anyone had time to worry, they dragged his body off down the corridor, one saying how desperate she'd been to lose her virginity, and the other cheering her on with: "Now's your chance, Fridgey!" Related: The Royals: the trashy new TV show you'll love to hate-watch They are sick and we cannot get enough of them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

12: Age at which Francesco Totti claims to have lost his virginity.

The Guardian - Sport

In Dancing in the Dark, the latest to be translated, he documents his prolonged and calamitous attempts to dispose of his virginity during his late teenage years, a struggle sorely undermined by a chronic condition of premature ejaculation.

The Guardian - Books

7. Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger With its 16-year-old hero is hell bent in losing his virginity, Catcher in the Rye was always going to court controversy.

The Guardian

Prudish medieval Christians despised his detailed advice on the ins and outs of sex as "a cunning ploy to win converts", which undermine their own faith's fixation on virginity, chastity and monogamy.

The Economist

In rural Peru, for example, 24% of young women say they lost their virginity to a rapist.

The Economist

On July 30th, in the face of feminist protesters, the National Forensics Bureau stated that it only conducted virginity tests in court-ordered cases of abuse and rape, and denied reports that it was providing "virginity ID cards".

The Economist

The judge declared the marriage void since it was "founded on a lie about her virginity", which the bride acknowledged, and this constituted an "essential quality" in the eyes of both parties.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use precise language and consider alternative terms like "sexual inexperience" when appropriate to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that everyone shares the same understanding or values regarding "virginity". Definitions and beliefs vary significantly across cultures and individuals.

Linguistic Context

The noun "virginity" functions primarily as a referential term to describe the state of never having engaged in sexual intercourse. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its usage in various contexts, ranging from personal experiences to cultural and religious discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "virginity" is a common noun referring to the state of never having engaged in sexual intercourse. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While widely used, its definition and significance are highly subjective and culturally dependent. As demonstrated by numerous examples, "virginity" appears frequently in News & Media and Science sources, highlighting its relevance in social, ethical, and scientific discussions. When writing about "virginity", remember to be mindful of these sensitivities and consider using alternative terms when appropriate to ensure clarity and avoid potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

state of being a virgin

Rephrases "virginity" by explicitly stating the condition of being a virgin.

absence of sexual experience

A more clinical and neutral way of describing "virginity".

sexual innocence

Emphasizes the lack of sexual experience associated with "virginity".

loss of virginity

Highlights the transition from being a virgin to being sexually active.

maidenhood

An archaic term that emphasizes the unmarried status and inexperience associated with "virginity".

sexual purity

Connects "virginity" with the idea of moral cleanliness and unblemished character.

condition of intactness

Focuses on the physical aspect of "virginity", referring to the unbroken hymen.

premarital abstinence

Describes the practice of abstaining from sexual activity before marriage, often associated with preserving "virginity".

chastity

Highlights the moral virtue of sexual abstinence, which is often linked to "virginity".

one's first sexual experience

Shifts the focus to the event that marks the end of "virginity".

FAQs

How is the term "virginity" generally defined?

Generally, "virginity" refers to the state of a person who has never engaged in sexual intercourse. However, its meaning and significance vary across different cultures and individuals.

What are some alternative ways to refer to "virginity"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "sexual inexperience", "chastity", or "sexual innocence".

Is "virginity" a medical or social construct?

"Virginity" is primarily a social and cultural construct. While the hymen is sometimes associated with it, its presence or absence is not a reliable indicator of sexual activity.

Why is it important to be sensitive when discussing "virginity"?

Discussions about "virginity" can be sensitive due to cultural, religious, and personal beliefs. Approaching the topic with respect and awareness is crucial.