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housewifely

C2
adjective

Pronunciation

UK

  • /hˈaʊswaɪfli/

US

  • /hˈaʊswaɪfli/

Description

"Housewifely" is not a word you hear every day, and it carries a lot of history with it. It describes qualities linked to the traditional role of a housewife: being good at managing a home, cooking, cleaning, and keeping daily life running smoothly. It often suggests not just skill, but also care, order, and pride in the home.

Think of a character in an old novel who takes deep satisfaction in creating a warm, welcoming home for her family. That feels housewifely. It can also describe behavior that reflects these skills, such as giving practical cleaning advice or calmly preparing a well-run meal. The term is rooted in traditional gender roles, so today it may sound old-fashioned, playful, or ironic depending on the context.

Examples

  1. 1

    Domestic skills

    In the novel, Aunt May is proud of her housewifely skills and keeps the kitchen spotless.

    • Usage

      housewifely is old-fashioned and often sounds literary or dated

  2. 2

    Sensory description

    He remembered the housewifely smell of bread, soap, and clean linen in his grandmother's home.

  3. 3

    Dated advertising

    The advertisement praised the dress as both elegant and housewifely, a description that sounds dated today.

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • housewifelyadjective