ENGLISH
REFERENCE

femininity

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌfɛməˈnɪnəti// UK //fˌɛmɪnˈɪnɪti// fem·i·nin·i·ty

n. the set of qualities or behaviors that people usually think are typical of women. It is often used to describe things like style, personality, or social roles.

n. the set of attributes, behaviors, and roles generally associated with women and girls. Often discussed as a social construct that varies across different cultures and historical periods.


SIMPLE

She expressed her femininity through her unique style of dress.

CONTEXTUAL

The documentary explores how traditional ideas of femininity have shifted significantly over the last century.

COMPLEX

Scholars often distinguish between biological sex and femininity, the latter being a performance of gender shaped by societal expectations and cultural norms.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English femynynytee, femyninytee, variants of femynyte (archaic modern English feminity), equivalent to feminine + -ity.

Usage

Typically used in the abstract sense; when used with an article ('a femininity'), it usually refers to a specific type or version of these qualities.

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