What does "androgyny" mean?
Hermaphroditism.
Androgyny
/ænˈdɹɑd͡ʒəni/ noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Hermaphroditism.
- Grammar: androgyny is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: androgynism, bisexuality, effeminacy, effeminateness.
- Useful contrasts: femininity.
- Usage evidence: Now androgyny has come to mean the adoption of social behavior that is not strictly masculine or feminine according to the old role definitions. An attempt to escape from gender-identified role-playing, androgyny does not necessarily determine sexual behavior.
How to use "androgyny"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "androgyny" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "androgyny" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "androgyny" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "androgynism" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Hermaphroditism. uncountable, usually
- 2 showing characteristics of both sexes wordnet
- 3 The state of having traits of both male and female genders. uncountable, usually
"Now androgyny has come to mean the adoption of social behavior that is not strictly masculine or feminine according to the old role definitions. An attempt to escape from gender-identified role-playing, androgyny does not necessarily determine sexual behavior."
- 4 The state of appearing to be neither feminine nor masculine. uncountable, usually
"The plot isn't the film's greatest asset, nor are its insights into Margaret, Larry and the brave new world of affectless androgyny that they inhabit."
- 5 The state or ability, of a connector or docking port, to connect with either male (plug) or female (socket) or other neutral connectors or ports. uncountable, usually
"[…] it is obvious that the idea of androgyny of docking/berthing interfaces […]"
Antonyms
Example
"Now androgyny has come to mean the adoption of social behavior that is not strictly masculine or feminine according to the old role definitions. An attempt to escape from gender-identified role-playing, androgyny does not necessarily determine sexual behavior."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "androgyny"?
Common synonyms include: androgynism, bisexuality, effeminacy, effeminateness, epicenism, epicenity.
How do you use "androgyny" in a sentence?
Now androgyny has come to mean the adoption of social behavior that is not strictly masculine or feminine according to the old role definitions. An attempt to escape from gender-identified role-playing, androgyny does not necessarily determine sexual behavior.
How do you pronounce "androgyny"?
Pronounced /ænˈdɹɑd͡ʒəni/.
Etymology
From andro- + -gyny. See androgynous.