pansy

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun large-flowered garden plant derived chiefly from the wild pansy of Europe and having velvety petals of various colors
  2. noun a timid man or boy considered childish or unassertive
  3. noun offensive term for an openly homosexual man

Etymology

From Middle French pensée (“thought”), as the plant resembles someone that is in deep thought, with a lowered head. Doublet of pensée.

In classic literature

Synonyms

Viola tricolor hortensis

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