Definition and Pronunciation
Sexually active (pronounced: /ˈsɛkʃuəli ˈæktɪv/) is an adjective phrase used to describe someone who engages in sexual activity. It refers to a person currently or regularly involved in sexual behaviors such as intercourse, oral sex, or other intimate acts. In medicine and health, the term is often used in surveys or discussions about sexual health, contraception, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Easy Explanation
“Sexually active” means a person is having sex. For example, “She became sexually active at 18.”
Grammatical Formation
- Adjective phrase: sexually (adverb) + active (adjective = participating in, engaged).
- Common in health, psychology, and social studies.
Word Comparisons
- Sexually active vs. sexually pure: active = engaging in sex; pure = abstaining from it.
- Sexually active vs. promiscuous: active = neutral/clinical; promiscuous = negative, implying multiple partners.
- Sexually active vs. virgin: virgin = not yet experienced sex; sexually active = engaging in sex.
Connotations
- Neutral/clinical in medicine and research.
- Neutral/positive in modern society: healthy sexual life.
- Negative in traditional or religious contexts: seen as immoral outside marriage.
Meaning with Prepositions
- Sexually active at: sexually active at age 16.
- Sexually active with: sexually active with her partner.
- Sexually active in: sexually active in their relationship.
Real-Life Examples
- She became sexually active at 19 after meeting her long-term partner.
- Doctors often ask patients if they are sexually active to provide proper care.
- Sexually active teenagers are encouraged to practice safe sex.
- He admitted he was not sexually active for several years.
Synonyms
engaged in sex, having sex, sexually involved, intimate, participating in sexual activity
Antonyms
sexually inactive, abstinent, celibate, virgin, chaste
Related Terms
- Abstinence – choosing not to have sex.
- Virginity – state of sexual inexperience.
- Sexual behavior – broader range of sexual actions.
- Chastity – moral and religious purity.
Common Collocations
- become sexually active
- sexually active at a young age
- sexually active with multiple partners
- sexually active lifestyle
- sexually active population
Idiomatic and Figurative Usage
- Mostly literal, used in clinical, social, or cultural contexts.
- Figurative use is rare.
Sample Sentences
- She became sexually active in her late teens.
- The doctor asked if he was sexually active to determine the right treatment.
- Many sexually active people use contraception to avoid unplanned pregnancy.
- He remained sexually active well into old age.
Connection to Sexuality
Yes, directly. “Sexually active” describes people who engage in sexual acts and is central to discussions of sexual health, identity, and relationships.
Sexopedia.co is an educational glossary of sexual and gender-related terms—helping you improve your English while deepening your understanding of identity, language, and self-expression.