Effeminate
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ɪˈfɛmɪnət/ · Part of speech adjective
Quick meaning: Effeminate is an adjective meaning (often derogatory) Of a boy or man, exhibiting behavior or mannerisms considered typical of a woman or unmasculine.
Meaning
(often derogatory) Of a boy or man, exhibiting behavior or mannerisms considered typical of a woman or unmasculine.
More Meanings
- (transitive, archaic or nonstandard) To make womanly; to unman.
- (intransitive) To become womanly.
- An effeminate person.
- (obsolete) Womanly; tender, affectionate, caring.
Example Sentences
Gentle, kind, effeminate remorse.
An effeminate and unmanly foppery.
It will not corrupt or effeminate their [children's] minds.
The effeminates are males with obviously recognizable traits and mannerisms; […]
Word Forms
- effeminat
- effeminates
- effeminating
- effeminated
Synonyms for effeminate
Depending on context, synonyms include camp, swish, epicene, effete, feminine, unmanly.
Antonyms for effeminate
Common opposites include uneffeminate, noneffeminate, non-effeminate, immasculate.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include sissy, sissified, unmanly, cissy, soft, weak.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.