Femininity
/ˌfɛmɪˈnɪti/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe quality or state of being feminine; the collection of qualities traditionally associated with women.
/ˌfɛmɪˈnɪti/
Qualities, characteristics, or attributes considered typical of women.
She embraced her femininity with confidence and grace.
💡 Simply: Imagine what makes something feel 'girly' - like dresses, flowers, and being kind. Femininity is all about those things and more. It's about qualities that are often associated with being a woman. It's not just about what you wear; it's how you act and what you value. Like, you might say, 'Her style expresses a classic sense of femininity.'
👶 For kids: It's everything that makes a girl, a girl, or a woman, a woman! Think dresses, kindness and being gentle.
More Examples
The film explores the complexities of femininity in a patriarchal society.
Her art celebrated the beauty and power of femininity.
How It's Used
"Sociologists study the construction of femininity in different cultures."
"The designer's collection celebrated femininity with flowing fabrics and soft colors."
The characteristics and qualities that are considered to be typical of women, encompassing both biological and social aspects.
/ˌfɛmɪˈnɪti/
The traits, including biological and social aspects, considered to belong to women.
Her work challenges traditional notions of femininity.
💡 Simply: Think of femininity as the collection of qualities society usually associates with women, like being caring, graceful, or wearing certain clothes. It's like the 'recipe' of characteristics we often see as 'feminine' traits. It's what helps us understand how different cultures or people see the qualities of a woman.
👶 For kids: All the things that makes a girl a girl like being kind, wearing dresses, and playing with dolls.
More Examples
The conference explored the evolving definitions of femininity.
The author portrayed a multifaceted understanding of femininity.
How It's Used
"Psychologists investigate how societal expectations impact the expression of femininity."
"Gender studies often explores the social construction of femininity."
Idioms & expressions
Embrace your femininity
To accept and express the qualities and characteristics associated with being feminine.
"She was encouraged to embrace her femininity and express herself through her clothing."
From French féminité, from Latin femina ('woman'). The concept has evolved significantly, influenced by social and cultural contexts, tracing back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Historically, the concept of femininity has been linked to societal expectations and roles for women, evolving through different historical periods and cultural contexts.
Memory tip
Think of the 'feminine' gender, and then add the '-ity' suffix to form the noun 'femininity'.