pro-gay
|pro-gay|
🇺🇸
/proʊˈɡeɪ/
🇬🇧
/prəʊˈɡeɪ/
for gay people/rights
Etymology
'pro-gay' is formed from the Latin prefix 'pro-' meaning 'for' and the English word 'gay' (from Old French 'gai').
'gay' originates from Old French 'gai' meaning 'joyful' and entered Middle English as 'gay' meaning 'happy' or 'bright'; in the 20th century 'gay' developed the sense 'homosexual', and the modern compound 'pro-gay' arose in late 20th-century English by combining 'pro-' + 'gay' to mean 'for gay people/rights'.
Initially 'gay' meant 'joyful' or 'carefree', but over time it evolved to commonly mean 'homosexual'; consequently 'pro-gay' came to mean 'in favor of homosexual people or their rights'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who supports gay people or gay rights (colloquial).
She is a well-known pro-gay who speaks at Pride events.
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Adjective 1
supporting or favorable toward gay people or gay rights.
The organization is openly pro-gay and advocates for equal marriage rights.
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Last updated: 2025/10/29 18:48