effeminate

American  

[ih-fem-uh-nit, ih-fem-uh-neyt] / ɪˈfɛm ə nɪt, ɪˈfɛm əˌneɪt /

adjective

1. (of a man or boy) having traits, tastes, habits, etc., traditionally considered feminine, as softness or delicacy.

2. characterized by excessive softness, delicacy, self-indulgence, etc..

   effeminate luxury.

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verb (used with or without object)

effeminated, effeminating

1. to make or become effeminate.

effeminate British  

/ ɪˈfɛmɪnɪt /

adjective

1. (of a man or boy) displaying characteristics regarded as typical of a woman; not manly

2. lacking firmness or vigour

   an effeminate piece of writing

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Synonym Usage

See female.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• effeminately
  adverb
• effemination
  noun
• uneffeminately
  adverb
• effeminateness
  noun
• uneffeminate
  adjective
• effeminacy
  noun

Etymology

Origin of effeminate

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English effeminat, from Latin effēmināt-, past participle stem of effēmināre “to make feminine,” equivalent to ef- ef- + fēmin(a) “woman” + -āre infinitive suffix

Explanation

The word effeminate is used to describe a man or a boy with characteristics that are more often associated with females. You were once teased for your effeminate, high-pitched voice, but now you're a world-renowned singer. The adjective effeminate comes from Latin roots that mean "womanish." The term is usually meant as an insult. You once thought it was too effeminate for a man to carry a purse, but now you realize how convenient it is. Besides, you often use it to swat at anyone who makes fun of you. If you think it's effeminate to cry during sad movies, that explains why you watch them alone.

Example Sentences

When I was younger, bald men were often the butt of jokes - but taking steps to regain lost hair seemed to be viewed as effeminate and vain.

From BBC • Oct. 31, 2025

As a “very, very effeminate boy” growing up in Baltimore, Ben Appel was teased mercilessly.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025

When Pesina, 32, was in grade school, they kept a low profile to avoid being bullied as a Brown, chubby gay kid with an effeminate voice.

From Washington Post • Oct. 28, 2022

“We’re entering a new age where male-presenting bodies are feeling comfortable wearing effeminate shapes, effeminate fabrics that did not exist when I was growing up,” Mr. Dorantes said.

From New York Times • Apr. 13, 2022

“And I definitely knew I was gay, and there was definitely no talking about that. There were no ‘out’ students; there were kids who seemed effeminate.

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove