asexual
asexual
Pronunciation
asexual
/eɪˈsɛkʃuəl/
Syllable Breakdown:
a-: /eɪ/ (as in "ay" in "say")
sex-: /sɛk/ (as in "sek" in "sector")
u-: /ʃu/ (as in "shoo")
al: /əl/ (as in "ull" in "hull")
Word Form Variations
Noun: asexual (countable, singular), asexuals (countable, plural)
Adjective: asexual (attributive, predicative)
Adverb: asexually
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective
Definition 1: Lacking sexual organs or other sexual characteristics; not reproducing sexually.
Synonyms: nonsexual, unsexual, agamogenetic
Antonyms: sexual, reproductive, procreative
Definition 2: (Of a person) Not experiencing sexual attraction to others. This can be a complete lack of sexual attraction or a very low level of it. Asexuality is a spectrum, and individuals may still desire romantic relationships, emotional intimacy, or even physical touch without sexual desire.
Synonyms: non-libidinous, non-erotic
Antonyms: sexual, allosexual (a term used within the asexual community to refer to someone who experiences sexual attraction)
Noun
Definition 1: An organism that reproduces asexually.
Synonyms: clone, bud (in the context of budding organisms)
Antonyms: sexual organism, sexually reproducing organism
Definition 2: A person who does not experience sexual attraction to others.
Synonyms: ace (informal), nonsexual person
Antonyms: allosexual, sexual person
Adverb
Definition 1: In an asexual manner; without sexual involvement or characteristics.
Synonyms: nonsexually, unsexually
Antonyms: sexually, reproductively
Examples of Use
Books: "In Loveless by Alice Oseman, the protagonist Georgia Warr discovers and explores her identity as asexual and aromantic during her time at university." (Alice Oseman, Loveless, March 2020)
Newspapers: "A recent article in The New York Times discussed the growing visibility of the asexual community and the challenges they face in a sexually-centric society." (The New York Times, May 2024)
Online Publications: "A piece published on BuzzFeed News highlighted various personal stories from individuals who identify as asexual, debunking common misconceptions about the identity." (BuzzFeed News, October 2023)
Entertainment Mediums (TV Series): "Todd Chavez, a prominent character in the animated series BoJack Horseman, gradually comes to terms with and identifies as asexual throughout the show's run, providing a significant representation in mainstream media." (Netflix, BoJack Horseman, 2014-2020)
Entertainment Platforms (Streaming Service Content Description): "The documentary 'A Word on Asexuality' explores the diverse experiences of asexual individuals around the globe, aiming to educate and raise awareness." (Available on various educational streaming platforms, 2022)
General Public Discourse (Social Media/Forums): "On a popular Reddit forum, users frequently discuss their experiences navigating relationships and societal expectations as asexual individuals, sharing advice and support." (Reddit, ongoing discussions)
General Public Discourse (Advocacy/Activism): "Organizations like AVEN (Asexual Visibility and Education Network) actively work to promote understanding and acceptance of asexual people through educational campaigns and community building." (AVEN website, ongoing)
Scientific Journals (Biological Context): "Researchers are studying certain species of geckos that reproduce primarily, or even exclusively, through asexual parthenogenesis." (Journal of Herpetology, December 2023)
10 Famous Quotes Using Asexual
"Some people misinterpret aesthetic appreciation, romantic attraction, or sexual arousal as being sexual attraction, only to realize later that they are asexual." (Julie Sondra Decker, The Invisible Orientation: An Introduction to Asexuality, 2014)
"I define myself as asexual, because if I am asexual I have all the equipment I need." (Zoe O'Reilly, "My life as an amoeba," The Asexual Handbook, 1997)
"I'm not gay,” said Raphael. “I’m not straight. I’m not interested.” “Your sexuality is 'not interested'?” Alec asked curiously. Raphael said, “That's right. I'm asexual." (Cassandra Clare, The Red Scrolls of Magic, 2019)
"For a long time, I didn't know what I was. I knew what I wasn't: I wasn't interested in boys, and I really wasn't interested in girls." (Tim Gunn, Gunn's Golden Rules: Life's Little Lessons for Making It Work, 2011, reflecting on his asexual identity)
"Comedian Janeane Garofalo describes her asexuality as having “a genuine lack of interest” in sex rather than a fear of intimacy; she is comfortable speaking about the range of asexuality and the distinction between finding someone attractive versus experiencing romantic or sexual attraction, and identifies as asexual." (Attributed to Janeane Garofalo in various interviews, e.g., GCN.ie, January 2024)
"We chose the term “asexual” to describe ourselves because both “celibate” and “anti-sexual” have connotations we wished to avoid: the first implies that one has sacrificed sexuality for some higher good, the second that sexuality is degrading or somehow inherently bad." (Lisa Orlando and Barbara Getz, The Asexual Manifesto, 1972)
"I used to wonder if the whole world was crazy, whooping about sex all the time… Then it dawned on me that people – other women – were different than me.” (Marilyn Monroe, from her unfinished autobiography, often interpreted in the context of being asexual, though the term was not widely used this way at the time)
"Give your friendships the magic you would give a romance, because they're just as important—actually, for us, they're way more important, as asexual and aromantic individuals." (Alice Oseman, Loveless, 2020)
"I'm regarded quite asexually by a lot of people." (David Bowie, Rolling Stone interview, 1974)
"Asexuality: not just for amoebas." (A popular asexual pride slogan, found on AVEN forums, July 2013)
Etymology
The word "asexual" is a combination of two parts:
"a-": This is a prefix that comes from Greek and means "not" or "without." Think of other words like "atypical" (not typical) or "amoral" (without morals).
"sexual": This part comes from the Latin word "sexus," which refers to sex, gender, or the state of being male or female.
So, literally, "asexual" means "without sex."
First Known Use and Meaning:
The earliest known use of the word "asexual" dates back to 1795. It first appeared as a term in biology. In this context, it was used to describe organisms or processes that have no sex or sexual system, meaning they reproduce without the involvement of two distinct sexes (like in budding or fission).
It wasn't until later, around 1896, that the word started to be used in a more general sense to mean "wanting sexuality" or "being of or referring to neither sex" in contexts beyond just biology. The modern understanding of asexuality as a human sexual orientation (lacking sexual attraction) became more clearly defined and recognized much later, particularly in the 20th century.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Asexual
Phrases and Idioms Using "Asexual":
"To be on the asexual spectrum": This phrase acknowledges that asexuality is not a single, monolithic experience but encompasses a range of identities and experiences regarding sexual attraction.
"Living an asexual life": Describes someone who is living in a manner consistent with being asexual, often implying a lack of focus on sexual relationships.
"An asexual reproduction": A biological term used idiomatically to describe a process or creation that seems to come into being without typical "parental" or collaborative input, seemingly replicating itself.
"To embrace an asexual identity": Refers to the act of accepting and identifying with asexuality, often as a personal realization.
"To be completely asexual": Emphasizes a total lack of sexual attraction or characteristics.
"To view someone as asexual": Refers to perceiving someone as lacking sexual interest or appeal, sometimes used in a dismissive or objectifying way, or simply as an observation of their identity.
"An asexual approach to dating": Describes a dating style or philosophy that de-emphasizes or excludes sexual activity as a primary component.
"Falling outside the sexual norm, being asexual": An extended phrase to describe being different from societal expectations regarding sexuality.
"As asexual as a amoeba": An original, informal comparison emphasizing a complete lack of sexual involvement, drawing on the biological definition.
"An asexual kind of love": Refers to romantic or platonic love that is distinctly not based on sexual attraction or desire.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of asexual from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
