English Reference
noun · adjective

feminist

n. · adj.
US /ˈfɛmənɪst/ UK /fˈɛmɪnˌɪst/ fem·i·nist UK spelling feminists

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.someone who believes that women should have the same rights, power, and opportunities as men.

    n.an advocate for the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes.

    Simple

    She has been a proud feminist since her university days, fighting for equal pay.

    In context

    The author identifies as a feminist, arguing that true social progress is impossible without dismantling systemic gender biases.

    equalistwomen's rights advocate
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.describing an idea, book, or action that supports the goal of equal rights for women.

    adj.relating to or supporting the principles of feminism.

    Simple

    The movie was praised for its strong feminist message and realistic female characters.

    In context

    The professor provided a feminist critique of the nineteenth-century novel, highlighting the restricted agency of its female protagonist.

    pro woman
    anti feminist

Early feminists like Mary Astell and Catharine Macaulay refused their male peers’ advice to remain polite in debate.

Aeon· 18 Aug 2026

She also saw some feminists who had supported the charity switch their energies to focus solely on British women, who they insisted needed protecting from migrants.

The Guardian· 25 Aug 2026

First recorded in English 1852. Ultimately from Latin fēminīnus, from fēmina (“woman”). See also feminine, feminism.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin fēminīnus
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated