opposite sex

American  

[op-uh-zit seks, op-uh-sit] / ˈɒp ə zɪt ˈsɛks, ˈɒp ə sɪt /

noun

1. Often the opposite sex women in reference to men or men in reference to women.

   Do you have many friends of the opposite sex?

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adjective

1. Usually opposite-sex of or relating to two or more persons of different genders: Opposite-sex marriage is more normalized than same-sex marriage.

   The study is about relationships between children and their opposite-sex parents.

   Opposite-sex marriage is more normalized than same-sex marriage.

opposite sex British  

noun

1. women in relation to men or men in relation to women

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Usage

The phrase opposite sex relies on an assumption that men and women are indeed opposites. This upholds a binary view of gender, and also usually conflates sex and gender, both of which may be considered controversial. A less binary version of the phrase is other genders.

Etymology

Origin of opposite sex

First recorded in 1710–30

Example Sentences

Tennessee state Rep. Tim Rudd sponsored the law and said it was aimed to protect children and women from people who may take advantage of policies allowing the opposite sex to enter group restrooms and locker rooms, according to the court filing.

From Washington Times

“It’s very shocking and a danger to people if they walk into a restroom that’s marked men or women, and the opposite sex is standing there, it could scare them, it could provoke violence,” Rudd said while lawmakers debated the requirement.

From Seattle Times

"That's unfair. It's not fair for a man, even if this person wants to be a woman or feels compelled — if you want to become the opposite sex, that's fine. I got no problem with it. But you can't compete against — males cannot compete against females."

From Fox News

A few minutes later, however, the segment shifted to claims about lax standards in the booming gender-transition field, as well as interviews with young “detransitioners,” those who transitioned to the opposite sex but then transitioned back.

From Washington Times

They also could take legal action if required to stay in the same sleeping quarters as a member of the opposite sex at birth, unless that person is a family member.

From Seattle Times