Effeminating: meaning, definitions and examples

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effeminating

 

[ ɛfɪˈmeɪnɪtɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

gender traits

Effeminating refers to the act of making someone or something more feminine in character, appearance, or behavior. This term is often used in discussions about gender expression and stereotypes, indicating a shift towards traditionally feminine traits or qualities.

Synonyms

embellishing, feminizing, softening.

Examples of usage

  • The movie effeminated some of the male characters to challenge gender norms.
  • He felt that wearing pink shirts effeminated his fashion style.
  • The artist's work effeminates the portrayal of masculinity.

Translations

Translations of the word "effeminating" in other languages:

🇵🇹 efeminando

🇮🇳 स्त्रीलिंग बनाना

🇩🇪 verweichlichen

🇮🇩 memperempuan

🇺🇦 ефемінізуючи

🇵🇱 efeminacja

🇯🇵 女性的にする

🇫🇷 efféminant

🇪🇸 efeminando

🇹🇷 efemine etme

🇰🇷 여성화하다

🇸🇦 تحويل إلى أنثوي

🇨🇿 efeminace

🇸🇰 efeminácia

🇨🇳 女性化

🇸🇮 efeminacija

🇮🇸 kvenna

🇰🇿 әйелдікке айналдыру

🇬🇪 ქალისებურად აქცევა

🇦🇿 qadınlaşdırma

🇲🇽 efeminando

Etymology

The term 'effeminate' traces its roots back to the Latin word 'effeminatus', which is derived from 'femina' meaning 'woman'. The prefix 'e-' indicates a sense of removal or separation, together implying 'to become like a woman' or 'to lose male characteristics'. Over time, the term gained prominence in English during the Renaissance and was often used in the context of masculinity and gender roles as society began to explore the spectrum of gender identity. In the 19th century, 'effeminate' was sometimes used pejoratively to describe men who displayed characteristics deemed unmanly or overly delicate. As societal attitudes toward gender have evolved, the term's usage has shifted, often being linked with discussions surrounding gender fluidity and expression.