demisexuality
/ˌdɛmiːsɛkʃuˈælitiː/
demisexuality means the state of not experiencing primary sexual attraction (based on sight or smell or other instantly available information), but only secondary sexual attraction (after the development of an emotional bond). It carries an Arena rating of 1336, earned across 3 head-to-head judged battles.
Among words judged in Lexicurio's Arena, demisexuality ranks #587 of 13,220 for Words That Escaped Their Books, #1,860 of 13,220 for Most Betrayed by Its Sound, #3,241 of 13,220 for The Improbable, #3,970 of 13,220 for Most Exacting Words.
demisexuality is pronounced /ˌdɛmiːsɛkʃuˈælitiː/.
Why “demisexuality” is a great word
A sexual orientation characterized by experiencing sexual attraction only after forming a strong emotional bond. From demisexual (from demi-, meaning 'half' or 'partial', and sexual) + -ity (forming nouns denoting a state or condition); first attested in 2008. Unlike asexuality, which generally denotes an absence of sexual attraction, or fraysexuality, where initial attraction dissipates upon closeness, demisexuality describes a specific genesis contingent upon depth. It is the quiet clock that only ticks in a familiar room, the seed that germinates solely in cultivated soil, the understanding that for some, the bridge to desire is built stone by stone from trust and time—a quiet testament to the fact that for some, the deepest desire is not for a body, but for a history.
Etymology
From demisexual + -ity.
noun
- The state of not experiencing primary sexual attraction (based on sight or smell or other instantly available information), but only secondary sexual attraction (after the development of an emotional bond).“Asexuality with the ability to experience romantic attraction should not be confused with demisexuality, which is somewhat similar.”
Words closest in meaning
By meaning, not spelling — each word's AI semantic fingerprint, nearest first.
- pomosexual 82% match — Rejecting, avoiding, or not fitting in any sexual orientation label, such as heterosexual, homosexual, asexual, pansexual, or bisexual. vs demisexuality →
- monosexism 81% match — The assumption that everyone is monosexual (i.e., attracted to only one sex); the belief or assertion that bisexuality and pansexuality do not exist. vs demisexuality →
- sapiophile 81% match — A person who is attracted, whether it be sexually, romantically, or otherwise, to intelligence or intelligent people rather than to the physical appearance. vs demisexuality →
- heterosexism 80% match — The assumption made when relating to others that everyone is heterosexual. vs demisexuality →
- sapphist 79% match — A lesbian. vs demisexuality →
- genderqueerness 79% match — The quality or state of being genderqueer. vs demisexuality →
- alexithymia 79% match — A deficiency in understanding, processing, or describing emotions. vs demisexuality →
- soulmate 79% match — Someone, especially a romantic partner, with whom one is exceptionally or uniquely compatible or has a special, almost spiritual connection. vs demisexuality →