Definition and pronunciation
virginity /vərˈdʒɪnɪti/ — noun: the state of never having had sexual intercourse, often tied to ideas of purity, innocence, or moral virtue, depending on cultural or religious views.
Easy explanation
Virginity means not having had sex. Many cultures place special importance on it, especially for women, though ideas about virginity vary widely across time and societies.
Grammatical formation
- Noun: virginity.
- Adjective: virginal (describing someone or something pure/innocent).
- Related noun: virgin (a person who has not had sex).
Meanings and nuances
- Sexual inexperience — the most common meaning, not having had sex.
- Cultural ideal — linked with purity, innocence, and honor, especially for women.
- Symbolic use — sometimes used metaphorically (e.g., “the virginity of untouched land”).
- Problematic aspect — criticized as a social construct that unfairly judges people, especially women, by their sexual history.
With prepositions and variants
- loss of virginity: “He spoke about the loss of his virginity.”
- preserve/keep one’s virginity: “She wanted to preserve her virginity until marriage.”
- virginity as a symbol of purity.
Common collocations
loss of virginity, virginity test (controversial practice), virginity pledge, preserve virginity, virginity myth, virginal purity, virginity until marriage
Idioms and neighboring expressions
- “maidenhead” — old-fashioned literary term for virginity
- “cherry” (slang) — refers to virginity, often crude
- “save oneself” — to remain abstinent until marriage
Word comparisons
- virginity vs chastity: virginity = never had sex; chastity = abstaining from sex (may apply even after having sex).
- virginity vs purity: purity = broader moral/physical cleanliness; virginity = specifically sexual inexperience.
- virginity vs celibacy: celibacy = lifelong abstinence (often religious); virginity = state before first sex.
Real-life examples
- “Many cultures emphasize the importance of virginity before marriage.”
- “The novel critiques society’s obsession with virginity.”
- “He felt awkward talking about the loss of his virginity.”
- “Virginity testing is considered a violation of human rights.”
- “Virginity is often idealized in traditional literature.”
Sample sentences
- “She chose to keep her virginity until marriage.”
- “He spoke openly about losing his virginity.”
- “Virginity has been overly romanticized in some cultures.”
- “They challenged the virginity myth in their campaign.”
- “Virginity does not define a person’s worth.”
- “Religions often connect virginity with purity.”
- “The play explored the theme of virginity and desire.”
- “Virginity testing is a harmful practice.”
- “Her virginity was considered a family’s honor in that culture.”
- “Society is moving beyond strict ideas of virginity.”
Synonyms
maidenhood, purity, innocence, chastity (in certain contexts), inexperience
Antonyms
sexual experience, promiscuity, loss of virginity, sexual activity
Related terms
virgin, maiden, chastity, abstinence, purity, celibacy, sexual initiation
Connection to sexuality
Yes. Virginity is entirely connected to sexuality, as it defines a person’s sexual status. Historically, it has been tied to female honor, morality, and family reputation, reflecting cultural double standards. In modern times, many see virginity as a social construct rather than a biological or moral truth.
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