How Do You Spell EFFEMINATE?

Pronunciation: [ɛfˈɛmɪnˌe͡ɪt] (IPA)

The word "effeminate" is commonly spelled with three syllables, pronounced /ɪˈfɛmɪnət/ in IPA phonetic transcription. It is derived from the Latin word "effeminatus," meaning "womanly" or "having female qualities." The spelling of this word reflects its origins, with the "e" at the beginning indicating a negation of masculinity, and the "a" in the third syllable reflecting the Latin original. However, it is important to use this term with sensitivity, as it can be considered derogatory towards members of the LGBTQ+ community who do not conform to traditional gender roles.

EFFEMINATE Meaning and Definition

  1. Effeminate is an adjective that describes a person, typically a man, who displays behaviors, characteristics, or mannerisms that are traditionally associated with women or are considered traditionally feminine in nature. These behaviors often include a gentler demeanor, refined or delicate gestures, soft speech patterns, or an interest in activities or subjects that are stereotypically considered feminine.

    The term 'effeminate' does not imply any judgment on a person's sexual orientation. It is solely based on their outward expression that may be interpreted as more feminine. The word can also be used to describe the appearance of an individual who may possess physical features or clothing choices that are typically associated with femininity.

    The use of the term 'effeminate' has evolved over time, and its connotation can vary depending on cultural or societal contexts. While some individuals may embrace and celebrate their effeminate traits, others may view it critically or negatively, perceiving it as a deviation from societal expectations of masculinity.

    The term's historical usage has tended to reinforce stereotypically rigid gender roles, reinforcing the expectation that men should conform to certain masculine behaviors and appearance. As society continues to challenge traditional gender roles, the understanding and interpretation of 'effeminate' may also evolve, reflecting progressive attitudes towards gender equality and acceptance of diverse expressions of identity.

  2. • Soft and delicate as a woman; womanish; unmanly; weak.
    • To make womanish; to unman; to soften.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for EFFEMINATE *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for EFFEMINATE

Etymology of EFFEMINATE

The word "effeminate" comes from the Latin word "effēminātus", which is the past participle of "effēminō". In Latin, "effēminō" means "to make womanish" or "to weaken". It is a combination of the prefix "ex-" (meaning "away" or "out of") and "fēmina" (meaning "woman"). "Effēminātus" was later borrowed into Old French as "effemine", and eventually, it made its way into Middle English as "effeminate", retaining a similar meaning of femininity or weakness.

Similar spelling words for EFFEMINATE

Conjugate verb Effeminate

CONDITIONAL

I would effeminate
we would effeminate
you would effeminate
he/she/it would effeminate
they would effeminate

FUTURE

I will effeminate
we will effeminate
you will effeminate
he/she/it will effeminate
they will effeminate

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have effeminated
we will have effeminated
you will have effeminated
he/she/it will have effeminated
they will have effeminated

PAST

I effeminated
we effeminated
you effeminated
he/she/it effeminated
they effeminated

PAST PERFECT

I had effeminated
we had effeminated
you had effeminated
he/she/it had effeminated
they had effeminated

PRESENT

I effeminate
we effeminate
you effeminate
he/she/it effeminates
they effeminate

PRESENT PERFECT

I have effeminated
we have effeminated
you have effeminated
he/she/it has effeminated
they have effeminated
I am effeminating
we are effeminating
you are effeminating
he/she/it is effeminating
they are effeminating
I was effeminating
we were effeminating
you were effeminating
he/she/it was effeminating
they were effeminating
I will be effeminating
we will be effeminating
you will be effeminating
he/she/it will be effeminating
they will be effeminating
I have been effeminating
we have been effeminating
you have been effeminating
he/she/it has been effeminating
they have been effeminating
I had been effeminating
we had been effeminating
you had been effeminating
he/she/it had been effeminating
they had been effeminating
I will have been effeminating
we will have been effeminating
you will have been effeminating
he/she/it will have been effeminating
they will have been effeminating
I would have effeminated
we would have effeminated
you would have effeminated
he/she/it would have effeminated
they would have effeminated
I would be effeminating
we would be effeminating
you would be effeminating
he/she/it would be effeminating
they would be effeminating
I would have been effeminating
we would have been effeminating
you would have been effeminating
he/she/it would have been effeminating
they would have been effeminating

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