What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hermaphroditic
Example
The snail is a hermaphroditic animal, possessing both male and female reproductive organs. [hermaphroditic: adjective]
Example
The artist's work often explores hermaphroditic themes and characters. [hermaphroditic: adjective]
Example
The new job title is hermaphroditic, meaning it is inclusive of all genders. [hermaphroditic: adjective]
androgynous
Example
The model's androgynous appearance made it difficult to determine their gender. [androgynous: adjective]
Example
The fashion designer's collection featured androgynous clothing that could be worn by anyone. [androgynous: adjective]
Example
The new language policy encourages the use of androgynous terms to be more inclusive. [androgynous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Androgynous is more commonly used than hermaphroditic in everyday language. Androgynous has become more mainstream in recent years, especially in fashion and pop culture, while hermaphroditic remains a more specialized term used primarily in scientific or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hermaphroditic and androgynous?
Both hermaphroditic and androgynous can be used in formal or informal contexts, depending on the context and audience. However, hermaphroditic may be perceived as more technical or specialized, while androgynous may be seen as more artistic or creative.
