Girlish: meaning, definitions and examples
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girlish
[ ˈɡɜːrlɪʃ ]
behavior or traits
The term 'girlish' refers to qualities or characteristics typically associated with girls, such as playfulness, innocence, and a tendency toward charm and beauty. It often describes behavior or interests that society traditionally attributes to young females.
Synonyms
dainty, feminine, playful, youthful
Examples of usage
- She has a girlish laugh that lights up the room.
- His girlish mannerisms were endearing to his friends.
- The movie features a girlish protagonist who loves adventure.
Translations
Translations of the word "girlish" in other languages:
🇵🇹 feminino
🇮🇳 लड़की जैसा
🇩🇪 mädchenhaft
🇮🇩 perempuan
🇺🇦 дівчачий
🇵🇱 dziewczęcy
🇯🇵 女の子の
🇫🇷 féminin
🇪🇸 femenino
🇹🇷 kız gibi
🇰🇷 소녀 같은
🇸🇦 أنثوي
🇨🇿 dívčí
🇸🇰 dievčenský
🇨🇳 女孩的
🇸🇮 dekliški
🇮🇸 stelpurnar
🇰🇿 қыз балалық
🇬🇪 გოგოსური
🇦🇿 qız kimi
🇲🇽 femenino
Etymology
The word 'girlish' dates back to the Middle English period, where it was formed from 'girl,' which itself has origins in the Old English word 'gyrle' meaning a young female child. Over time, as the concept of gender roles evolved, 'girlish' came to embody attributes that are socially constructed as feminine. The suffix '-ish' is a common English diminutive used to imply a certain quality related to the root word—in this case, suggesting features or characteristics that are childlike or youthful. The use of 'girlish' suggests a lighter, more innocent version of femininity, often celebrated in literature, fashion, and society, revealing the cultural nuances surrounding gender and youth.
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #23,127, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.
- ...
- 23124 unknowingly
- 23125 dewy
- 23126 integrally
- 23127 girlish
- 23128 undemocratic
- 23129 disarming
- 23130 spate
- ...