benevolent sexism

[ buh-nev-uh-luhnt sek-siz-uhm ]

/ bəˈnɛv ə lənt ˈsɛk sɪz əm /

Save This Word!

noun

a form of sexism in which people, especially women, who conform to traditional gender roles are viewed in a positive manner.

QUIZ

ARE YOU A TRUE BLUE CHAMPION OF THESE "BLUE" SYNONYMS?

We could talk until we're blue in the face about this quiz on words for the color "blue," but we think you should take the quiz and find out if you're a whiz at these colorful terms.

Question 1 of 8

Which of the following words describes “sky blue”?

navy

beryl

azure

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Meet Grammar Coach

Write or paste your essay, email, or story into Grammar Coach and get grammar help

Improve Your Writing

Meet Grammar CoachImprove Your Writing

Compare hostile sexism. See also ambivalent sexism.

Origin of benevolent sexism

First recorded in 1970–75

Words nearby benevolent sexism

Benét, Benevento, benevolence, benevolent, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, benevolent sexism, Benfleet, Beng., Bengal, Bengal catechu, Bengalee

How to use benevolent sexism in a sentence

Its biggest asset, of course, is the steely Atwell, who never asks you to feel sorry for Carter despite all the sexism around her.
Marvel’s ‘Agent Carter’ Stomps on the Patriarchy|Melissa Leon|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The rule of law, you see, buckles, bends and sometimes crumbles under the weight of racism, sexism, and classism.
What Would Happen if I Got in White Cop’s Face?|Goldie Taylor|December 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
They are often characterized as benevolent and admirable; when we do the same, we are angry and unreasonable.
The Unbearable Whiteness of Protesting|Rawiya Kameir, Judnick Mayard|December 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Once in power, they often hired gifted artists to portray them in flattering and benevolent poses.
Great Renaissance Art Thrived Amid Filth|Nick Romeo|December 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Attacked on Twitter and by outraged columnists for promoting sexism, Taylor issued a tearful public apology.
Feminism Has Gone Too Far|Lizzie Crocker|November 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He was learned, benevolent and pious, and author of several religious works.
The Every Day Book of History and Chronology|Joel Munsell
His ambition is a purely selfish one, while mine is distinctly benevolent.
The Pit Town Coronet, Volume I (of 3)|Charles James Wills
The bed threw a shadow on them both, but she could see his benevolent face, anxious and yet reassuring, rather clearly.
Hilda Lessways|Arnold Bennett
The Railway Benevolent Institution provided a rallying point.
Fifty Years of Railway Life in England, Scotland and Ireland|Joseph Tatlow
Generally persons who associate for charitable or benevolent purposes do not regard themselves in a legal sense as partners.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman|Albert Sidney Bolles