sapphism
/'sæfizm/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- Female homosexuality: "Sapphism" is a formal or literary term for sexual attraction and romantic relationships between women. It is synonymous with lesbianism.
Usage
- The word "sapphism" is a formal, academic, or historical term. It is less common in everyday modern speech, where "lesbianism" is the standard term.
- It is typically used in literary, historical, or psychological contexts.
Examples
- Noun:
- The poet's work explored themes of Sapphism and female desire.
- Historical studies of Sapphism in the 19th century often reveal societal attitudes of the time.
Advanced Usage
- The term is derived from Sappho, an ancient Greek poet from the island of Lesbos, whose poetry expressed love and admiration for women.
- It can be used adjectivally in the form "Sapphic" (e.g., , ).
Variants and Related Words
- Sapphic (adj): Pertaining to lesbianism or to Sappho.
- She wrote a thesis on Sapphic literature.
- Lesbianism (n): The more common contemporary term for female homosexuality.
Synonyms
- Lesbianism: The standard term for female homosexuality.
- Female homosexuality: A direct descriptive phrase.
Notes on Usage
- While "sapphism" and "lesbianism" are synonyms, "lesbianism" is the neutral, widely accepted term in contemporary usage. "Sapphism" carries a more literary or historical nuance.
Noun
- female homosexuality