Oxford definition of gay

Definition of gay adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. Oxford English Dictionary, the world's largest dictionary of the English language, has announced that the definition of the term "marriage" will be adjusted to include same-sex couples now that it is legal for homosexuals to wed each other in England. The term "marriage" is currently defined by OxfordDictionaries. com as a "formal union of a man and a woman, typically as recognized by law, by which they become husband and wife.

There are 31 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word gay, nine of which are labelled obsolete, and one of which is considered offensive. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. There are 31 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word gay , nine of which are labelled obsolete, and one of which is considered offensive. To continue reading, please sign in below or purchase a subscription. After purchasing, please sign in below to access the content.

An adjective meaning cheerful or carefree that acquired an association with loose morals and sexual licentiousness in the 19th century, and in approximately the s came into use among members of the homosexual community to describe male homosexuality. In this context, it has no pejorative connotation. There are five meanings listed in OED's entry for the word homosexual. OED's earliest evidence for homosexual is from , in the writing of John Addington Symonds, writer and advocate of sexual reform. homosexual is formed within English, by compounding; originally modelled on a German lexical item.

The Oxford definition of “gay” is clear: it refers to a person who is homosexual. However, the complex evolution of the term highlights the significance of language in shaping societal attitudes and norms. Definition of gay adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Find the answers with Practical English Usage online, your indispensable guide to problems in English. Toggle navigation.