Definition of “Intercourse”
Word: Intercourse
Pronunciation: /ˈɪntərkɔːrs/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meanings:
- General Meaning (now formal or dated):
Communication or dealings between individuals or groups.- Example: “He enjoyed intellectual intercourse with his peers.”
- Modern/Common Meaning:
A euphemism for sexual relations between individuals.- Example: “Sexual intercourse is a deeply personal act between consenting adults.”
Grammatical Formation:
- Singular noun: intercourse
- Typically uncountable: “much intercourse,” not “many intercourses”
Synonyms:
communication, interaction, contact, connection, sex, lovemaking, copulation
Antonyms:
silence, isolation, celibacy, abstinence
Related Terms:
sexual intercourse, social interaction, verbal exchange, conjugal relations
Common Collocations:
- sexual intercourse
- verbal intercourse (rare, formal)
- social intercourse (dated, formal)
- engage in intercourse
- intercourse with someone
Idiomatic & Contextual Usage:
- “Verbal intercourse” – An intellectual or philosophical conversation (rare today).
- “Have intercourse with” – Typically used to indicate sexual relations in formal or clinical contexts.
- “No intercourse between…” – Sometimes used in diplomatic or historical settings to mean no communication.
Simple Explanation in Easy Sentences:
- Intercourse means communication or connection between people.
- Today, it mostly refers to sex between two people.
- You might hear it in science, medicine, or formal writing.
Sample Sentences:
- The book discusses the importance of emotional connection in sexual intercourse.
- In earlier times, social intercourse was used to describe friendly conversation.
- The court ruled that intercourse without consent is a criminal offense.
- Some old literature uses the term intercourse to simply mean “dialogue.”
Does “Intercourse” Have a Relationship to Sexuality?
Yes. In modern usage, intercourse most commonly refers to sexual intercourse, especially in medical, legal, or educational contexts. Though it once broadly meant any form of interaction, this general usage has become rare and formal. Today, if someone says “intercourse,” they are usually referring to a sexual act.