gay
Translation
gay, homosexual, cheerful
Examples
He is a proud gay man.
He is a proud gay man.
The city has a vibrant gay community.
The city has a vibrant gay community.
They wore gay colours for the festival.
They wore gay colors for the festival.
Grammar Patterns
((a)) gay ((person/man/woman)) homosexual He is a proud gay man.
((the)) gay ((community/scene)) relating to homosexual people The city has a vibrant gay community.
((as an adjective for colors/atmosphere - archaic)) bright or cheerful They wore gay colors for the festival.
Similar Words
Synonyms: homosexual, lesbian; (archaic) cheerful, happy
Etymology
From Old French 'gai', meaning 'joyful, cheerful'. The meaning shifted to 'homosexual' in the 20th century.
Memory Tips
The primary modern meaning is 'homosexual'. The rainbow flag is a symbol of gay pride, representing diversity and joy.