womanly

American  

[woom-uhn-lee] / ˈwʊm ən li /

adjective

1. like or befitting a woman; feminine; not masculine or girlish.

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adverb

1. in the manner of, or befitting, a woman.

womanly British  

/ ˈwʊmənlɪ /

adjective

1. possessing qualities, such as warmth, attractiveness, etc, generally regarded as typical of a woman, esp a mature woman

2. characteristic of or belonging to a woman

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Related Words

Womanly, womanlike, womanish mean having the traits or qualities that a culture regards as especially characteristic of or ideally appropriate to adult women. Womanly is usually a term of approval, suggesting the display of traits admired by the society, such as self-possession, modesty, motherliness, and calm competence: a womanly consideration for others; with womanly skill and efficiency. Womanlike may be a neutral synonym for womanly, or it may suggest mild disapproval: a womanlike dignity; womanlike tears and recriminations. Womanish is usually disparaging; applied to women it suggests traits not generally socially approved: a womanish petulance; womanish disregard for the rules. Applied to men it suggests traits culturally deemed inappropriate for men and (in what is now often regarded as a sexist notion) to be found in women: a womanish shrillness in his speech; a womanish way of stamping his foot in anger. See also female.

Other Word Forms

• half-womanly adjective
• unwomanly adjective
• womanliness noun
• womanness noun

Etymology

Origin of womanly

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English wommanli(che); woman, -ly

Example Sentences

It's first edition began with an explanation that its objective was to cover "the whole field of womanly action".

From BBC

This strict minister paterfamilias disapproved of his violist son, and in the wake of loss, Davis finds solace in music and womanly identity, slowly healing from estrangement.

From Los Angeles Times

“Sinead will forever be a figure of womanly defiance, for a country that never liked women,” she said.

From New York Times

The stately Foïs carries the film as it devolves into a restrained drama about familial loyalty and womanly fortitude, its change of gears not entirely clicking into place.

From New York Times

Before the first “Hunger Games” film premiered in 2012, detractors criticized Lawrence for her “baby fat” and “womanly figure,” deeming her inappropriate for the lead character.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• female
• feminine