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

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

“I didn’t have great hand-eye coordination. I was lanky, awkward and clumsy with effeminate mannerisms,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 20, 2023

Anan’s character, Shou, identifies as kothi, a native Indian gender similar to an effeminate man and, through Shou, Choton confronts his feeling of alienation from his compatriots’ queer scene.

From New York Times • Mar. 2, 2023

But the bobcats had always scared him with their now-guttural, now-piercing and effeminate, bloodcurdling screams.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols