Master confusing words with ease
Feminine vs. Effeminate
Feminine
/ˈfemənin/Examples:
The room was decorated in soft, feminine colors.Her feminine intuition proved right once again.He appreciates the feminine touch she brings to the artwork.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Effeminate
/ɪˈfemənət/Examples:
His effeminate gestures were the subject of much gossip.The character's effeminate voice became iconic in the play.Critics often noted the effeminate style of his poetry.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Feminine is typically used to describe qualities traditionally associated with women, such as gentleness or nurturing.
- Effeminate often has a negative connotation and is used to describe a man who exhibits traits commonly associated with femininity.
- Remember that feminine is gender-neutral when describing qualities, while effeminate specifically refers to men or boys.
- Feminine is generally accepted and positive, while effeminate can be seen as pejorative when commenting on a male's behavior or appearance.
- Feminine ends with -ine like line, suggesting a clear and strong quality; effeminate has a longer form, implying over-emphasis on femininity.
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