Virago: meaning, definitions and examples

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virago

[vɪˈrɑːɡəʊ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

strong woman

A virago is a woman who is strong, brave, and determined, often with assertive or domineering characteristics. Viragos are known for their fierce independence and refusal to conform to traditional gender roles.

Synonyms

feminist, strong woman, warrior woman.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
virago	A virago is often used to describe a woman who is considered aggressive, loud, or domineering. It has a negative connotation and is not usually used in a positive or empowering way. The villagers saw her as a virago, always shouting out orders.
strong woman	A strong woman refers to a female who is resilient, confident, and independent. This term is often used in a positive sense to highlight a woman's inner strength and capabilities. She is a strong woman who overcame many obstacles to achieve her dreams. Many people look up to her as a strong woman in the community.
warrior woman	A warrior woman is used to describe a female who is brave, combative, and has a fighting spirit, either literally in battles or metaphorically in life. It has a positive connotation in contexts of strength and courage. In the story, she is portrayed as a warrior woman who defends her tribe. She faced her illness like a warrior woman, never giving up.
feminist	A feminist is someone who supports or advocates for women's rights and equality between genders. It is a neutral or positive term and is used in discussions about gender equality and social justice. She is a proud feminist who fights for equal pay. The feminist movement has achieved many milestones.

Examples of usage

She was described as a virago for fearlessly standing up to injustice.
The novel's protagonist was portrayed as a virago, challenging societal norms and expectations.
The historical figure was remembered as a virago for her leadership and courage in the face of adversity.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

shrewish woman

In a derogatory sense, a virago can refer to a woman who is aggressive, ill-tempered, or quarrelsome. This usage implies a negative connotation, often associating viragos with nagging or scolding behavior.

Synonyms

nag, shrew, termagant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
virago	Used to describe a strong and courageous woman, often in a positive sense. Historically, it referred to a woman who exhibited traditional masculine qualities like bravery and heroism. She proved herself a true virago by leading the team through difficult times. In ancient myths, the virago was celebrated for her valor and strength.
shrew	Typically used to describe a woman who is regarded as nagging, temperamental, or asserting her will in an unpleasant way. This term carries a negative connotation. The character of the shrew in the play was constantly scolding everyone. Neighbors often described her as a shrew due to her quarrelsome behavior.
nag	Refers to a person, typically a woman, who persistently complains or criticizes others. This term often has a negative connotation. She would always nag her husband about the smallest things. He got tired of her constant nagging about his messy habits.
termagant	Describes a woman who is harsh-tempered and overbearing. This word also has a negative connotation. She was known in the office as a termagant, always shouting and arguing. His mother-in-law was a termagant who never gave anyone a moment of peace.

Examples of usage

The character in the play was portrayed as a virago, constantly berating those around her.
He referred to his ex-wife as a virago, highlighting her contentious nature.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'virago' originates from Latin, where 'vir' means 'man'; initially, it described a woman with masculine traits.
The word evolved in the Middle Ages, being used to imply strength or courage rather than solely masculinity.
In some historical contexts, 'virago' could be used negatively to depict women who defied societal expectations.

Literature

In Shakespeare's plays, female characters often embody virago traits, showcasing strong personalities and independence.
A prominent virago in literature is Beatrice from 'Much Ado About Nothing,' who challenges social norms of her time.
Virago characters in novels typically symbolize women's fight for agency and equality, making them significant to feminist literature.

Cultural Perspectives

Throughout history, cultures have had various figures resembling the virago, such as Joan of Arc, who led an army and challenged gender roles.
Modern feminism embraces the concept of the virago, celebrating women who take charge and stand against oppression.
The interpretation of the term varies globally, sometimes regarded as empowering, while in other contexts, it can be viewed as derogatory.

Psychology

Women who exhibit virago traits may face unique societal pressures, balancing strength with expectations of femininity.
The archetype can inspire resilience and leadership qualities in women, positively influencing self-perception and empowerment.
Research indicates that women embodying these traits often challenge gender stereotypes, leading to increased representation in leadership roles.

Translations

Translations of the word "virago" in other languages:

🇵🇹 megera

🇮🇳 वीरांगना

🇩🇪 Furie

🇮🇩 wanita garang

🇺🇦 люта жінка

🇵🇱 jędza

🇯🇵 口やかましい女

🇫🇷 mégère

🇪🇸 arpía

🇹🇷 cadaloz

🇰🇷 악녀

🇸🇦 امرأة شريرة

🇨🇿 rafinovaná žena

🇸🇰 babizňa

🇨🇳 悍妇

🇸🇮 čarovnica

🇮🇸 norn

🇰🇿 сайқал әйел

🇬🇪 ცნობიერი ქალი

🇦🇿 cadugər

🇲🇽 arpía

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,227, 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.

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36224 basset
36225 ligate
36226 clarinetist
36227 virago
36228 fifthly
36229 retch
36230 hopscotch
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