feminine
UK: ˈfem.ɪ.nɪn | US: ˈfem.ə.nɪn
adj. relating to or characteristic of women or female qualities
adj. (grammar) denoting a gender category typically associated with female referents
feminine = femin<woman> + ine<adjective suffix>
- femin<woman>: From Latin femina (woman), retained in spelling and meaning.
- ine<adjective suffix>: A suffix of Latin origin used to form adjectives (e.g., divine, masculine).
Etymology Origin:
The word feminine traces back to Latin femina (woman), combined with the adjectival suffix -ine. It entered Middle English via Old French feminin, preserving the core meaning of "pertaining to women." The suffix -ine systematically converts nouns into adjectives, creating a parallel with masculine (from masculus). This pairing reflects historical gender categorization in language and culture.
She embraced her feminine grace with confidence.
The language uses feminine endings for nouns referring to women.
His painting captured both masculine and feminine energy.
The brand focuses on feminine aesthetics in its designs.
Traditional roles often associate nurturing traits with the feminine.