heteronormative
|het-er-o-nor-ma-tive|
🇺🇸
/ˌhɛtərəˈnɔːrmətɪv/
🇬🇧
/ˌhɛtərəˈnɔːmətɪv/
assuming heterosexuality as normal
Etymology
'heteronormative' originates from Greek and Latin elements: specifically Greek 'heteros' (where the prefix 'hetero-' meant 'other, different') combined with Latin-derived 'normative' (from 'norma' meaning 'rule' or 'standard').
'heteronormative' changed from the coinage 'heteronormativity' (a late 20th-century term in queer studies formed by combining 'hetero-' + 'normative') and eventually became used adjectivally as 'heteronormative'.
Initially the roots conveyed 'other/different' ('hetero-') and 'rule/standard' ('norma'); over time the combined term evolved into a concept meaning 'the social privileging of heterosexuality and normative gender roles.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the social system or ideology that privileges heterosexuality and normative gender expressions, making other sexualities and gender identities less visible or marginalized.
Heteronormativity shapes expectations about relationships, family structures, and gender roles.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
relating to or enforcing the assumption that heterosexuality and binary gender norms are the default or normal social arrangement.
Many institutions have heteronormative policies that assume all families are headed by a man and a woman.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/15 19:07