feminist
UK: ˈfemɪnɪst | US: ˈfemənɪst
n. An advocate for women's rights and gender equality.
adj. Relating to or supporting feminism.
The word "feminist" combines the Latin root femina (woman) with the suffix -ist, denoting an advocate or follower of a movement. Emerging in the late 19th century, it reflects the ideological shift toward advocating women's social, political, and economic equality. The root femin- preserves its Latin origin, while -ist (from Greek -istes) evolved into a productive suffix in English for labeling proponents of causes (e.g., "socialist," "artist"). The term’s construction mirrors other -ist formations, emphasizing active support for a principle—here, gender equity.
She became a feminist after studying gender inequality in the workplace.
The feminist movement has made significant progress in securing voting rights for women.
His feminist views challenge traditional gender roles.
Many early feminist writers faced societal backlash.
The conference featured speeches by prominent feminist scholars.