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Damsel: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿฆฐ
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damsel

 

[ หˆdรฆmzษ™l ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

medieval context

The term 'damsel' historically refers to a young unmarried woman, often of noble birth. In medieval literature, damsels are frequently depicted as being in distress or needing rescue by knights. This archetype has permeated popular culture, influencing the portrayal of women in stories and fairy tales. Despite its romantic connotations, the term can also imply a lack of agency or vulnerability in the character.

Synonyms

lady, maiden, young woman.

Examples of usage

  • The brave knight rescued the damsel from the tower.
  • In many fairy tales, the damsel is often the focal point of the hero's quest.
  • The damsel's role has evolved in modern literature, showcasing stronger characters.

Translations

Translations of the word "damsel" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น donzela

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เคจเฅเคฏเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Damsel

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ perawan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะดะพั‡ะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ dziewica

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ไน™ๅฅณ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท demoiselle

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ doncella

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท bayan

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ฒ˜๋…€

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุนุฐุฑุงุก

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ panna

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ panna

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅฐ‘ๅฅณ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ gospodica

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ meyja

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ั‹ะท

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฅแƒแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ qฤฑz

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ doncella

Etymology

The word 'damsel' originates from the Old French word 'damisele', which is a diminutive form of 'dame', meaning 'lady'. This term transitioned into Middle English as 'damsel', carrying the meaning of a young, noble woman. Over the centuries, the portrayal of damsels in literature and folklore has evolved, but the core essence of the term has remained tied to young women of noble or gentle birth. During the medieval period, the image of the damsel was often romanticized, representing purity and innocence, but also became synonymous with helplessness and the need for male rescue. This narrative has been challenged in modern times, reinterpreting the damsel into more self-sufficient and complex characters.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,306, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.