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Womanliness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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womanliness

[ˈwʊmənlɪnəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

qualities of a woman

Womanliness refers to the qualities or characteristics typically associated with being a woman, such as grace, empathy, and nurturing instincts.

Synonyms

femininity, gentleness, gracefulness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
womanliness

This word is best used to describe qualities typically associated with women, such as nurturing, sensitivity, and caring. It can be used in various contexts, but always with a focus on traits traditionally attributed to women.

  • Her womanliness shone through in the way she cared for her family.
  • He admired her womanliness, finding it refreshing in a world where such qualities are often undervalued.
femininity

This term refers to qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of women. It's often used in discussions about gender and identity, focusing on behaviors, styles, and roles traditionally linked to women.

  • Her style exudes femininity, from her choice of dress to her mannerisms.
  • In the modern world, femininity can mean a wide range of expressions beyond traditional norms.
gracefulness

This word is often used to describe smoothness and elegance in movement or manner. It's most commonly used in contexts like dancing, physical gestures, or even social interactions.

  • She moved with a gracefulness that captivated everyone at the ballet.
  • His gracefulness in handling the delicate conversation earned him much respect.
gentleness

Gentleness implies a kind, calm, and careful way of doing things. This term can be applied to anyone, not just women, and is often used to describe someone's approach to others or to a task.

  • She handled the baby with great gentleness.
  • His gentleness in difficult situations was deeply appreciated by everyone around him.

Examples of usage

  • Her womanliness shone through in the way she cared for others.
  • The essence of womanliness lies in her strength and compassion.
  • Many cultures celebrate womanliness as a source of wisdom and beauty.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'womanliness' has roots in the old English word 'wifman,' which means a female human.
  • Throughout history, cultures have defined womanliness in various ways, often tying it to family and community roles.
  • The concept has evolved, reflecting changes in women's rights and perspectives.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many societies, womanliness has been celebrated in art and literature, often representing beauty and virtue.
  • Different cultures have unique attributes they associate with womanliness, such as strength in some African traditions that celebrate motherhood.
  • Feminist movements have challenged traditional views of womanliness, advocating for traits associated with leadership and independence.

Literature

  • Classic literature often explores different representations of womanliness, highlighting themes of struggle and resilience.
  • Authors like Virginia Woolf wrote about womanliness as a complex identity shaped by societal expectations.
  • Contemporary novels frequently depict womanliness beyond traditional norms, presenting diverse characters and experiences.

Psychology

  • Psychological research indicates that societal expectations of womanliness can influence self-esteem and identity.
  • The concept of 'feminine psychology' examines how traits associated with womanliness affect interpersonal relationships.
  • Studies suggest that nurturing behavior, often linked to womanliness, plays a crucial role in social bonding and mental health.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and television often portray strong female characters as a new version of womanliness, emphasizing empowerment.
  • Music and art movements, such as the feminist punk scene, challenge traditional notions of womanliness through bold expressions.
  • Modern fashion trends can reflect womanliness as well, showcasing a blend of strength and femininity in contemporary design.

Origin of 'womanliness'

The term 'womanliness' has been used for centuries to describe the unique qualities and characteristics attributed to women. These qualities have evolved over time and vary across cultures, but the essence of womanliness often revolves around notions of femininity, grace, and nurturing. Embracing womanliness can empower individuals to embrace their true selves and celebrate the diversity of womanhood.

See also: womanhood, womanizer, womanly.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,057, 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.