Cool MateIntimate vs Sexual
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Intimate
Top 2,000 (common)C1adjective
Sexual
FormalTop 2,000 (common)B1adjective
Most formal: Sexual
| Intimate | Sexual | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈɪntɪmət/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈɪntɪmət/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈsekʃuəl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈsekʃuəl/"]/ |
| Meaning | Close and personal. | Related to sex or physical relationships between people. |
| Example | intimate friends | The book explores the sexual relationships between the main characters. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | B1 |
| Part of speech | adjective | adjective |
| Collocations | intimate relationship, intimate setting, intimate conversation, intimate friends, intimate details | sexual health, sexual orientation, sexual attraction, sexual activity, sexual education |
| Antonyms | distant, remote, aloof | asexual, nonsexual |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'intimidate', as they sound similar., Used incorrectly to describe casual relationships., 'Intimate' as an adverb—it's only an adjective. | Confused with 'sex' as a general term., Overused in casual contexts, making conversations awkward., Misunderstanding its application in terms like 'sexual orientation' or 'sexual harassment'. |
| Usage notes | Use 'intimate' to describe close relationships or settings. It can be in romantic contexts but also in friendships. Avoid in overly casual settings. | Used in medical, educational, or formal contexts. Avoid in casual conversations unless discussing relevant topics like health or education. |
Frequently asked questions: Intimate vs Sexual
What's the difference between Intimate and Sexual?
Intimate: Close and personal. Sexual: Related to sex or physical relationships between people.
Which is more formal: Intimate and Sexual?
Sexual is the most formal of these.
Which is more advanced: Intimate and Sexual?
Intimate is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Intimate and Sexual the same CEFR level?
Intimate: C1, Sexual: B1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Intimate and Sexual?
Intimate: adjective, Sexual: adjective.
Can you show an example of each?
Intimate: intimate friends Sexual: The book explores the sexual relationships between the main characters.
Can I use Intimate and Sexual interchangeably?
Not always. Intimate and Sexual are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.