Virago: meaning, definitions and examples
👩🦳
virago
[ vɪˈrɑːɡəʊ ]
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
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.
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
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.
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 origin
The term 'virago' originated in the late 16th century from the Latin word 'virago', meaning 'female warrior' or 'heroic woman'. Initially, it was used to describe women who displayed qualities traditionally associated with men, such as strength, courage, and assertiveness. Over time, the term evolved to encompass both positive and negative connotations, reflecting society's changing views on women's behavior and roles. Despite its varied usage, 'virago' remains a powerful and evocative term for describing strong-willed women.