Effeminate: meaning, definitions and examples

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effeminate

 

[ ษชหˆfษ›mษชnษชt ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

gender expression

The term 'effeminate' is used to describe a man or boy whose behavior, appearance, or mannerisms are considered traditionally feminine. This can include traits such as delicacy, softness, or a lack of physical toughness that typically aligns with societal norms for masculinity. While some individuals may embrace the term as part of their identity, it can also carry a negative connotation, perpetuating stereotypes about gender roles. The perception of effeminacy often varies across cultures and time periods, with different societies having diverse ideas about what constitutes masculine and feminine behavior.

Synonyms

androgynous, feminine, soft, unmasculine

Examples of usage

  • He was often teased for his effeminate mannerisms.
  • The character in the movie portrayed an effeminate prince.
  • Many artists in the fashion world embrace effeminate styles.
  • His effeminate voice took others by surprise at first.

Translations

Translations of the word "effeminate" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น efeminado

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคจเคพเคฐเฅ€เคฒเคฟเค‚เค—

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช effeminat

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ feminin

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะตั„ะตะผั–ะฝะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ efeminatywny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅฅณๆ€ง็š„ใช

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท effรฉminรฉ

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ afeminado

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท efemine

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์—ฌ์„ฑ์ ์ธ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุคู†ุซ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ efeminรกtnรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ efeminnรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅฅณๆ€งๅŒ–็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ efeminativen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ kvenlegur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ำ™ะนะตะปะดั–ะบ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฅแƒแƒšแƒฃแƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ feminin

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ afeminado

Etymology

The word 'effeminate' originates from the Latin root 'effeminatus', which means 'to make feminine or weak'. The Latin term is derived from 'effeminare', meaning 'to make or become feminine', which combines 'ex-' (out of) and 'femina' (woman). The term entered the English language in the late 14th century, evolving over time to indicate a man who is perceived to have qualities traditionally associated with women. Throughout history, the concept of effeminacy has been debated within various sociocultural contexts, often reflecting changing attitudes towards gender and sexuality. In some periods, being described as effeminate was seen as a sign of weakness, while in others it has been embraced as a form of self-expression.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,768, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.