opposite sex

[ op-uh-zit seks, op-uh-sit ]

noun

1. Often the opposite sex. women in reference to men or men in reference to women:

   Do you have many friends of the opposite sex?

adjective

1. Usually opposite-sex. of or relating to two or more persons of different genders: Opposite-sex marriage is more normalized than same-sex marriage.

   The study is about relationships between children and their opposite-sex parents.

   Opposite-sex marriage is more normalized than same-sex marriage.

opposite sex

noun

1. the opposite sex
   women in relation to men or men in relation to women

Usage Note

The phrase opposite sex relies on an assumption that men and women are indeed opposites. This upholds a binary view of gender, and also usually conflates sex and gender, both of which may be considered controversial. A less binary version of the phrase is other genders.

Word History and Origins

Origin of opposite sex¹

First recorded in 1710–30