womanly

/ˈwʊmənli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈwʊmənli/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈwu̇-mən-lē How to pronounce womanly (audio)/ (ame, mw)

womanly — adjective

  • womanlypositive
  • more womanlycomparative
  • most womanlysuperlative

1. having the personal qualities or the physical appearance that many people consid

1.形容詞B2
釋義

having the personal qualities or the physical appearance that many people consider natural or ideal in an adult woman

例句

Mira's grandmother taught her that patience and kindness are womanly virtues.

attributive use: womanly + noun (virtues)

Feng admired the womanly shape of the clay vase his aunt had made.

同義詞
  • feminine

    broader term — can describe men or objects, not limited to admired adult female qualities

  • ladylike

    focuses specifically on polite, refined behaviour; slightly old-fashioned

  • matronly

    refers specifically to older married women; sometimes carries a less flattering tone

反義詞
  • manly

    the male counterpart, describing admired adult male qualities

  • masculine

    opposite gender association; broader than 'manly'

文法句型

womanly + noun

be + womanly

用法筆記

Carries a generally positive tone, describing admired qualities such as grace, dignity, or warmth. Compare with 'female' (biological) and 'womanish' (sometimes used dismissively). Typically used of adult women, not girls.

常見錯誤

❌She has a very female figure.
✅She has a very womanly figure.
💡'female' refers to biological sex and sounds clinical; 'womanly' carries positive admiration for adult feminine qualities.
❌The eight-year-old girl has womanly manners.
✅The eight-year-old girl has polite manners.
💡'womanly' suggests adult qualities; it sounds odd applied to a child.