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 a neutral term commonly used to describe attributes associated with women.
- Effeminate often carries a negative connotation and describes behavior or traits seen as stereotypically feminine in a man.
- Think of feminine as neutral, related to gender identity or expression; effeminate is more judgmental, usually applied to men.
- If something is labeled feminine, it might refer to traditional women's characteristics without any judgment.
- When in doubt, remember feminine is factual, whereas effeminate implies a social or critical perspective on a man's behavior.
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