nonsexuality
|non-sex-u-al-i-ty|
🇺🇸
/ˌnɑnˌsɛkʃuˈælɪti/
🇬🇧
/ˌnɒnˌsɛkʃuˈælɪti/
not sexual
Etymology
'nonsexuality' originates from Modern English, specifically the prefix 'non-' combined with 'sexuality'; 'non-' meant 'not' (from Latin 'non' as a negative element) and 'sexuality' meant 'the state or quality of being sexual' (from Late Latin/French formations).
'sexuality' comes ultimately from Latin 'sexus' (meaning 'sex'), which passed into Late Latin as 'sexualitas' and Old French as 'sexualité', then into Modern English as 'sexuality'; the productive prefix 'non-' (meaning 'not') was attached in English to form 'nonsexuality'.
Initially the components literally meant 'not' + 'state of being sexual'; over time the compound has been used both to describe an absence of sexual attraction (a personal orientation) and to describe the lack of sexual content or intent in things or interactions.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the state or condition of experiencing little or no sexual attraction or interest; sometimes used to refer to a lack of sexual orientation (overlaps with asexuality).
nonsexuality is sometimes used to describe people who do not experience sexual attraction.
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Noun 2
the quality or characteristic of being nonsexual — absence of sexual content, intent, or sexual characteristics in an object, action, or context.
The artwork emphasizes emotional connection and nonsexuality rather than erotic themes.
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Last updated: 2025/09/28 18:50