Girlhood: meaning, definitions and examples
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girlhood
[ ˈɡɪrlhʊd ]
stage of life
Girlhood refers to the period in a female's life when she is a girl, typically from childhood to adolescence. This stage is marked by significant emotional and physical development as girls begin to form their identities and navigate social relationships. Girlhood encompasses experiences such as friendships, education, and the transition to womanhood. It is often characterized by a mix of innocence and the early stages of independence.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She cherished her girlhood memories.
- The book explores themes of girlhood in modern society.
- Friendships formed in girlhood can last a lifetime.
Translations
Translations of the word "girlhood" in other languages:
🇵🇹 infância feminina
🇮🇳 कन्या काल
🇩🇪 Mädchenzeit
🇮🇩 masa kanak-kanak perempuan
🇺🇦 дитинство дівчини
🇵🇱 dziewczęca młodość
🇯🇵 少女期
🇫🇷 jeunesse féminine
🇪🇸 niñez de una niña
🇹🇷 kız çocukluğu
🇰🇷 소녀 시절
🇸🇦 طفولة الفتاة
🇨🇿 dívčí mládí
🇸🇰 dievčenské detstvo
🇨🇳 女孩的童年
🇸🇮 dekle mladost
🇮🇸 stúlku æska
🇰🇿 қыз баланың балалық шағы
🇬🇪 გოგოს ბავშვობა
🇦🇿 qız uşaqlığı
🇲🇽 niñez de una niña
Etymology
The term 'girlhood' is derived from the Old English word 'gyrl', which signified a young female or maiden. It combines 'girl' with the suffix '-hood', a common English suffix used to denote a state or condition. The '-hood' suffix traces its roots back to the Germanic languages, indicating a period of life or a particular condition. Over the centuries, 'girlhood' has been used to explore the nuances of growing up female, articulated through literature and cultural discourse. Throughout history, the concept of girlhood has evolved, reflecting societal changes in the roles and expectations placed upon girls. In contemporary usage, 'girlhood' continues to carry rich connotations related to empowerment, identity formation, and the challenges faced by girls in different cultural contexts.