cisgender

/ˈsɪsˈdʒɛndər/
adjectiveIntermediate
formal

A person whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth

Cisgender people often face different social expectations than transgender individuals.

People who identify as cisgender may experience societal norms that differ from those experienced by transgender people.

💡

The term is used to distinguish from transgender identities and to acknowledge gender diversity.

Collocations

cisgender privilegeadvantages experienced by people whose gender identity aligns with their assigned sexcisgender man/womana man or woman whose gender identity matches their assigned sex

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

gender identityphrase
a person's personal sense of their own gender
assigned sexphrase
the sex (male or female) designated at birth, often based on physical characteristics

💡Pro Tip

Avoid assumptions

Not all people who appear to be cisgender may identify that way, so it's important to respect individual self-identification.

Gold Rule

Respect self-identification

Always use the terms a person prefers to describe their gender identity.

📖Word Origin

From Latin 'cis-' (on this side) + 'gender'. Coined in the late 20th century to describe people whose gender identity matches their birth-assigned sex.

📝Usage Notes

The term is used in discussions about gender identity, LGBTQ+ issues, and social equity. It is not typically used to describe oneself unless in a context discussing gender identity.

Word Breakdown

cis-
on this side
prefix
+
gender
social and cultural roles associated with being male or female
root
English Dictionary