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effeminate

 - 3 dictionary results

ef⋅fem⋅i⋅nate

  [adj. i-fem-uh-nit; v. i-fem-uh-neyt] adjective, verb, -nat⋅ed, -nat⋅ing.
Use effeminate in a Sentence
–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.
–verb (used with object), verb (used without object)
3. to make or become effeminate.
Origin:
1350–1400; ME < L effēminātus, equiv. to ef- ef- + fēmin(a) woman + -ātus -ate 1

Related forms:
ef⋅fem⋅i⋅nate⋅ly, adverb
ef⋅fem⋅i⋅nate⋅ness, noun
ef⋅fem⋅i⋅na⋅tion, noun

Synonyms:
1. See female.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To effeminate
ef·fem·i·nate   (ĭ-fěm'ə-nĭt)   
adj.  

  1. Having qualities or characteristics more often associated with women than men. See Synonyms at female.

  2. Characterized by weakness and excessive refinement.


[Middle English effeminat, from Latin effēminātus, past participle of effēmināre, to make feminine : ex-, ex- + fēmina, woman; see dhē(i)- in Indo-European roots.]
ef·fem'i·nate n., ef·fem'i·nate·ly adv., ef·fem'i·nate·ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

effeminate 
c.1430, from L. effeminatus, pp. of effeminare "make a woman of," from ex- "out" + femina "woman" (see feminine). Rarely used without reproach.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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