Another word for gay

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Meaning of gay

The primary meaning of the word "gay" is relating to or denoting a person who is emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to people of the same sex.

Etymology of gay

The word "gay" originated in the 13th century, initially meaning "lighthearted" or "carefree"
Over time, the word's meaning shifted to include a sense of brightness, liveliness, and attractiveness
In the mid-20th century, the word began to be used to describe people who were emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to people of the same sex

Synonyms

homosexuallesbianqueerbisexualandrogynouseffeminatecampflamboyantcolorfulvibrantlivelycheerfuljovialhappycarefreesunnybrightmerryfestivejoyfulgladjubilantelatedeuphoricecstaticthrilleddelightedpleasedhomosexualtransnon-binaryasexualpansexualgenderqueernon-heterosexualsame-sexLGBTQ+

Definitions

  • Relating to or denoting a person who is emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to people of the same sex
  • Relating to or denoting a person who is carefree, cheerful, and full of joy
  • Used as an adjective to describe something that is brightly colored, lively, or attractive

Usage Examples

  • The city's gay community held a parade to celebrate their identity and promote acceptance
  • He came out as gay to his friends and family, who were incredibly supportive
  • The hotel room was decorated with gay colors and patterns, adding to its festive atmosphere

Antonyms

heterosexualstraightcisgenderasexualabstinentcelibatechastepuremodeststraight-lacedprudishconservativetraditionalconventionalorthodoxnormaltypicalcommonmundanedullboringsombergloomymelancholysadunhappymiserable

Related Adjectives

homosexuallesbianqueerbisexualtransgendernon-binaryasexualpansexualgenderqueernon-heterosexualsame-sexLGBTQ+proudopenhonestauthenticgenuinetruerealsincereheartfeltpassionatededicatedcommittedactiveengagedinvolvedpassionatefervententhusiasticenergeticlivelyvibrantcolorfuldiverseinclusivewelcomingacceptingsupportiveaffirming

Related Nouns

communityidentityculturelifestylerelationshippartnershipmarriagefamilyprideparadeflagsymbolactivismrightsequalityjusticefreedomliberationmovementorganizationalliancecoalitionnetworkclubbarscenepartyeventfestivalcelebrationholiday

Related Verbs

come outidentifyexpressrevealdiscloseconfessadmitacknowledgeacceptembracesupportadvocatepromotecelebratehonorrecognizerespectincludeintegrateunitemobilizeorganizeprotestdemonstratemarchrallyfightstruggle

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cheerful

They are both very cheerful in spite of their circumstances.

 
happy

I'm just happy to be back running.

 
bright

The boy was so bright and animated.

 
glad

I'm glad I decided to go after all.

 
lively

She had a sweet, lively personality.

 
sparkling

He is sparkling and versatile in front of the camera.

 
sunny

The staff wear big sunny smiles.

 
jolly

She was a jolly, kindhearted woman.

 
animated

Everyone became more animated.

 

merry 

upbeat (informal) 

buoyant

She was in a buoyant mood.

 
cheery

He is loved by everyone for his cheery disposition and sense of humour.

 
joyous

a joyous celebration of life

 
joyful

We're a very joyful people.

 
carefree

She remembered her years of carefree youth.

 
jaunty

The novel is altogether jauntier than these quotations imply.

 
chirpy (informal)

You're very chirpy today - have you won the lottery or something?

 
vivacious

a beautiful, vivacious and charming young woman

 
jovial

Father Whittaker appeared to be in a jovial mood.

 
gleeful

He took a gleeful delight in proving them all wrong.

 

debonair 

blithe

His spirit was anything but blithe below the surface.

 
insouciant

He worked with insouciant disregard for convention.

 

full of beans (informal) 

light-hearted

They were light-hearted and prepared to enjoy life.

 

Opposites

serious, sad, grave, unhappy, grim, miserable, sober, melancholy, solemn, sombre, sedate, down in the dumps (informal), cheerless

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another word for gay