Femininity: meaning, definitions and examples

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femininity

 

[ ˌfɛməˈnɪnəti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

gender identity

Femininity refers to qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of women. These may include traits such as gentleness, empathy, sensitivity, and nurturing. It is often associated with traditional gender roles and societal expectations.

Synonyms

femaleness, womanhood, womanliness.

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Word Description / Examples
femininity

Best used to describe qualities or characteristics traditionally associated with being female, often in a positive or neutral way.

  • Her grace and kindness are expressions of her femininity.
  • The fashion designer creates styles that emphasize femininity.
womanhood

Used to describe the state or condition of being an adult woman, often with an emphasis on personal growth and maturity.

  • They celebrated her transition into womanhood with a special ceremony.
  • The novel explores the complexities of womanhood in modern society.
femaleness

Primarily used in a biological or medical context to discuss the state of being female, often in a neutral tone.

  • The researchers studied the genetic basis of femaleness in different species.
  • Her femaleness was never a barrier to achieving her goals.
womanliness

Often denotes qualities that are traditionally considered characteristic of women, usually in a positive context but can sometimes imply adherence to traditional gender roles.

  • Her nurturing nature and strength define her womanliness.
  • There is a strong sense of womanliness in the way she carries herself.

Examples of usage

  • Her femininity shone through in the way she cared for others.
  • The dress emphasized her femininity and grace.

Translations

Translations of the word "femininity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 feminilidade

🇮🇳 स्त्रीत्व (strītva)

🇩🇪 Weiblichkeit

🇮🇩 kewanitaan

🇺🇦 жіночність

🇵🇱 kobiecość

🇯🇵 女性らしさ (joseirashisa)

🇫🇷 féminité

🇪🇸 feminidad

🇹🇷 kadınlık

🇰🇷 여성스러움 (yeoseongseureoum)

🇸🇦 أنوثة (anūtha)

🇨🇿 ženskost

🇸🇰 ženskosť

🇨🇳 女性气质 (nǚxìng qìzhí)

🇸🇮 ženskost

🇮🇸 kvenleiki

🇰🇿 әйелдік (äieldik)

🇬🇪 ქალურობა (kaluroba)

🇦🇿 qadınlıq

🇲🇽 feminidad

Etymology

The concept of femininity has evolved over time and is deeply rooted in cultural and societal norms. Historically, femininity was often defined in relation to masculinity, with women expected to embody qualities such as passivity, beauty, and domesticity. However, feminist movements have challenged these narrow definitions and sought to empower women to embrace a wider range of traits and expressions. Today, femininity is recognized as a complex and multifaceted concept that varies across cultures and individuals.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,611, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.