Feminist

/ˈfɛmɪnɪst/

nounmediumVery CommonLegal

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A person who believes in the social, economic, and political equality of the sexes.

/ˈfɛmɪnɪst/

nounpositivemedium
Legal

A person who supports the rights and equality of women.

She is a passionate feminist, dedicated to fighting for gender equality.

💡 Simply: A feminist is someone who thinks girls and women should have the same chances and rights as boys and men. Imagine your friend being treated unfairly just because she's a girl – a feminist wants to make that fair!

👶 For kids: A feminist is someone who thinks girls and boys should have the same rights.

More Examples

2

The conference brought together many influential feminists from around the world.

3

His writings are informed by a feminist perspective.

How It's Used

Social Activism

"The feminist led a protest for equal pay."

Politics

"The politician identified as a feminist and advocated for women's rights."

Sociology

"Sociologists often study the impact of feminist movements."

2

Relating to or characteristic of feminism; advocating or supporting the rights and equality of women.

/ˈfɛmɪnɪst/

adjectivepositivemedium
Legal

Relating to or supporting feminism.

She wrote a feminist analysis of the advertising campaign.

💡 Simply: If something is 'feminist', it means it supports or has to do with fighting for equal rights for women. Like a book that celebrates strong female characters is a feminist book!

👶 For kids: Feminist means it's about being fair to girls and women.

More Examples

2

The article discussed feminist perspectives on body image.

3

The artwork displayed a strong feminist message.

How It's Used

Literary Criticism

"The essay offers a feminist interpretation of the novel."

Political Science

"The party's platform included feminist policies."

Social Commentary

"The film presents a feminist critique of societal norms."

Tip:Think 'feminist' as an adjective to describe things related to the beliefs of feminism (equal rights).

Idioms & expressions

feminist icon

A woman who is widely admired and recognized as a symbol of feminist ideals and achievements.

"Rosa Parks is often considered a feminist icon for her role in the civil rights movement."

feminist movement

Organized effort for women's rights and equality.

"The feminist movement has evolved over the years."

From French *féministe*, from *femme* ('woman'), influenced by *-ist* (denoting a person). The term gained widespread usage in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, coinciding with the rise of the women's suffrage movement.

The term 'feminist' gained currency in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, during the women's suffrage movement, and then in the 1960s.

Memory tip

Think of 'fem' for female, and '-ist' for someone who believes. A feminist believes in equal rights for females.

Word Origin

Root: femme

feminestfeminists

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written