androgynous

Adjective
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

Want to hear it? Click the Listen button to hear the browser speak the word using text-to-speech!

The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Having characteristics of both male and female; gender-ambiguous in expression or form.

Detailed Definition
In poetry, this term describes verse that deliberately avoids gender markers or maintains gender ambiguity in its speaker, subject, or addressee. Such poetry may use neutral pronouns, avoid gendered language entirely, or present personas whose gender remains intentionally unspecified. This approach can serve various purposes including creating universal appeal, exploring non-binary identity, allowing readers of any gender to identify with the speaker, or reflecting philosophical positions that transcend traditional gender categories. Increasingly common in contemporary poetry as writers engage with evolving understandings of gender and identity beyond binary classifications.
Example
Example in poetry:
Poetry or verse forms using neutral pronouns or addressing universal human experience without gender specification; A speaker or subject whose gender remains deliberately ambiguous in the poem; Verses that avoid gendered language to be inclusive of all readers; Poetry where the persona transcends traditional gender categories
Additional Notes
In poetry, this describes works that deliberately avoid gender markers or maintain gender ambiguity. Increasingly common in contemporary poetry as writers explore identity beyond binary categories. Can refer to the speaker, subject, or grammatical approach. Useful for creating universal appeal or exploring non-binary perspectives. Related to inclusive language practices in modern verse.
Also Known As
gender-neutral non-binary verse ungendered poetry gender-ambiguous Epicene
Skip to main content