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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Related Words

See female.

Other Word Forms

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

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

Effeminate and dandyish, Perry Smith collected cartons of books, poems, maps and assorted memorabilia, while he dreamed of making fabulous voyages.

From Time Magazine Archive

Effeminate, bookish, a graduate of the University of Nashville at 14, William Walker was successively surgeon, lawyer, journalist before he was 29.

From Time Magazine Archive

I never heard our King was Effeminate: to be a little Uxorious personally, is a vertuous vice in Oeconomicks; but Royally, a vitious vertue in Politicks.

From The Simple Cobler of Aggawam in America by Ward, Nathaniel