Gentlewomen: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฉโ๐ฉ
gentlewomen
[ หdสษn.tlหwษชm.ษชn ]
social context
The term 'gentlewomen' refers to women of good family or high social position. Historically, gentlewomen were distinguished from the lower classes by their refined manners and education. They often played a role in the social and cultural life of their communities, embodying virtues such as grace and propriety. This term is now less commonly used, but it traditionally implied that a gentlewoman possessed both nobility and a sense of duty towards her family and society.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- In the Victorian era, gentlewomen were expected to uphold certain moral standards.
- The gathering included several gentlewomen dressed in elegant attire.
- Gentlewomen often participated in charitable works and community service.
- She was raised as a gentlewoman, with an emphasis on education and etiquette.
Translations
Translations of the word "gentlewomen" in other languages:
๐ต๐น dama
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฎเคนเคฟเคฒเคพเคเค
๐ฉ๐ช Dame
- Damen
- sanfte Frauen
๐ฎ๐ฉ wanita lembut
๐บ๐ฆ ะปัะดัั
๐ต๐ฑ damy
๐ฏ๐ต ๆทๅฅณ
๐ซ๐ท dames
๐ช๐ธ damas
๐น๐ท hanฤฑmlar
๐ฐ๐ท ์ ์ฌ
๐ธ๐ฆ ูุณุงุก ูุทููุงุช
๐จ๐ฟ dรกmy
๐ธ๐ฐ dรกmy
๐จ๐ณ ๆทๅฅณ
๐ธ๐ฎ dame
๐ฎ๐ธ dรถmur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ำะนะตะปะดะตั
๐ฌ๐ช แฅแแแแแขแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ xanฤฑmlar
๐ฒ๐ฝ damas
Etymology
The word 'gentlewoman' has its roots in the Middle Ages, stemming from the term 'gentilhomme,' which denoted a man of high birth. The suffix '-woman' was then added to reflect its application to women. Over time, the concept of a gentlewoman encompassed not just noble heritage but also the virtues expected of women in aristocratic circles, including refinement and moral integrity. The usage and popularity of the term has evolved, particularly following societal changes in the 19th and 20th centuries, when social classes began to shift and the roles of women expanded beyond traditional confines. Today, while the term may still carry echoes of its noble past, it is often considered archaic, with modern equivalents being 'lady' or 'professional woman' that better reflect contemporary society.