Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Maidenhood: meaning, definitions and examples

👧
Add to dictionary

maidenhood

 

[ˈmeɪdənhʊd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

state of being

Maidenhood refers to the state or condition of being a maiden, which typically denotes a young, unmarried woman. It embodies concepts of purity and innocence, often associated with youth and virginity. This term can also reflect societal expectations placed upon women regarding their virginity and marital status. Maidenhood is often highlighted in literary and cultural contexts, where it can symbolize both vulnerability and strength.

Synonyms

innocence, maiden, virginity.

Examples of usage

  • She was proud of her maidenhood and held onto her values.
  • The character's maidenhood was a central theme in the novel.
  • Many cultures celebrate the transition from maidenhood to womanhood.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'maiden' comes from the Old English 'mægden,' which means 'young woman or girl.'
  • Historically, 'hood' in this context means a state or condition, so 'maidenhood' refers to the state of being a maiden.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, maidenhood has been associated with purity and innocence, often celebrated in coming-of-age rituals.
  • Literature often portrays characters experiencing maidenhood as embodying grace, virtue, and the promise of future potential.

Literature

  • The concept of maidenhood appears in classic literature, such as in Shakespeare's plays, often used to symbolize youth and vulnerability.
  • In novels like 'Pride and Prejudice,' maidenhood is a key aspect of characters' social roles and marriage prospects.

History

  • During the Middle Ages, maidenhood was vital to family honor, with societies placing high value on the chastity of young women.
  • The term often reflects historical gender roles where a woman's value was largely assessed based on her maidenhood.

Modern Use

  • Today, discussions about maidenhood often intertwine with conversations about women's rights and sexual autonomy.
  • Modern media sometimes critiques the traditional view of maidenhood, advocating for empowerment and self-identification over societal labels.

Translations

Translations of the word "maidenhood" in other languages:

🇵🇹 virgindade

🇮🇳 कुवारीपन

🇩🇪 Jungfräulichkeit

🇮🇩 perawanan

🇺🇦 девственність

🇵🇱 dziewictwo

🇯🇵 処女

🇫🇷 virginité

🇪🇸 virginidad

🇹🇷 bakirelik

🇰🇷 처녀성

🇸🇦 عذرية

🇨🇿 panenství

🇸🇰 panenstvo

🇨🇳 处女状态

🇸🇮 devictvo

🇮🇸 meyjarlegt

🇰🇿 күйеусіздік

🇬🇪 ქალწულობა

🇦🇿 qızlıq

🇲🇽 virginidad

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,288, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.