effeminate

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective having unsuitable feminine qualities

Etymology

From Middle English effeminat, effemynat, from Latin effēminātus, past participle of effēminō, from fēmina (“woman”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

emasculate, epicene, cissy, sissified, sissyish, sissy

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