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Maidenhood: meaning, definitions and examples

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maidenhood

 

[ ˈmeɪdənhʊd ]

Noun
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.

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

Etymology

The term 'maidenhood' derives from the Old English word ' mæden', which means 'a young woman' or 'maiden'. This word is rooted in the Proto-Germanic *maðjō, which has similar meanings related to young women and virginity. The suffix '-hood' originates from the Old English 'hād', signifying a state or condition. Thus, 'maidenhood' essentially means 'the state of being a maiden'. Historically, the concept of maidenhood was often tied to societal views on femininity, purity, and a woman's role in the family and society. In medieval literature and folklore, maidenhood was celebrated, but it also came with strict expectations and moral codes. The transition from maidenhood to wifehood was significant and often marked by rites of passage, reflecting changing societal values towards women's roles. Over time, the significance of maidenhood has evolved, with contemporary interpretations often critiquing the historical implications tied to women's autonomy and identity.

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.