Definition and Pronunciation
First intercourse (pronounced: /fɜːrst ˈɪntərkɔːrs/) refers to a person’s first experience of sexual intercourse, often synonymous with “losing virginity” or “sexual debut.” It is a neutral, descriptive phrase widely used in health, psychology, and social studies to mark the beginning of one’s sexual life.
Easy Explanation
“First intercourse” means the first time a person has sex. For example, “Her first intercourse was at 19 with her partner.”
Grammatical Formation
- Noun phrase: first (adjective) + intercourse (noun meaning sexual relations).
- Related forms: first sexual intercourse, experience of first intercourse.
Word Comparisons
- First intercourse vs. losing virginity: losing virginity = personal/emotional; first intercourse = neutral, clinical.
- First intercourse vs. sexual debut: both are neutral, but sexual debut is more academic/sociological.
- First intercourse vs. defloration: defloration = archaic and gendered; first intercourse = modern, neutral.
Connotations
- Neutral/clinical in research and health education.
- Positive: milestone of intimacy or adulthood.
- Negative (in strict cultures): taboo or shameful outside marriage.
Meaning with Prepositions
- First intercourse at: first intercourse at age 18.
- First intercourse with: first intercourse with her boyfriend.
- First intercourse in: first intercourse in marriage.
Real-Life Examples
- The survey measured the average age of first intercourse across countries.
- She remembered her first intercourse as both exciting and awkward.
- Many cultures expect first intercourse to happen after marriage.
- Comprehensive sex education helps young people approach first intercourse safely.
Synonyms
sexual debut, first sexual experience, sexual initiation, losing virginity
Antonyms
virginity, chastity, celibacy, abstinence, inexperience
Related Terms
- Virginity – state of never having had sex.
- Sexual debut – neutral modern phrase for first sex.
- Defloration – archaic word for virginity loss.
- Abstinence – refraining from sex.
Common Collocations
- age of first intercourse
- first intercourse with partner
- first intercourse in marriage
- first intercourse experience
- risk at first intercourse
Idiomatic and Figurative Usage
- Rarely used figuratively; mostly literal.
- Sometimes symbolic in literature as a transition into adulthood.
Sample Sentences
- Her first intercourse occurred at 20 with her fiancé.
- The study showed a decline in the average age of first intercourse.
- In conservative cultures, first intercourse is tied to marriage.
- He recalled his first intercourse as an important milestone.
Connection to Sexuality
Yes, very directly. “First intercourse” refers explicitly to the beginning of one’s sexual life and is a central concept in sexual health, education, and cultural traditions.
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