WordGarden.iowomanly
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /wˈʊmənli/
US
- /wˈʊmənli/
Meanings
Adjective
having qualities or a manner conventionally associated with women, especially adult femininity
Beyond the definition
"Womanly" is not just about being female. It describes qualities that people have often linked with an adult woman, such as grace, care, strength, and calm maturity. It suggests someone who has grown beyond girlishness and now carries herself in a more grown-up way. You might think of a mother gently guiding her child or an older woman giving kind, steady advice. The word is often about manner, behavior, or appearance, and it points more to adult femininity than to gender alone.
The word "womanly" does not simply mean "female." It describes qualities, behavior, or appearance that people traditionally connect with an adult woman. It can refer to the way someone carries herself, the calm or care she shows, or a style that seems mature, gentle, or graceful. The word usually points to adult femininity rather than youth.
Historically, "womanly" was often tied to traditional ideas about how women should act, including domestic skills and a caring role in the home. Today, the word is broader. It may suggest grace under pressure, quiet confidence, kindness, responsibility, or emotional strength. A girl may be described as becoming womanly as she grows older and begins to show these more adult qualities.
You might use the word for actions, as in someone showing patience, kindness, or quiet strength. You can also use it for appearance or style, such as clothes, movement, or features that seem mature and feminine. In this way, the word can describe both character and outward expression.
At the same time, "womanly" is shaped by culture, and its meaning can change across places and time periods. What one group sees as womanly, another may see differently. Because of that, the word can sound warm and respectful in one context but old-fashioned or limiting in another. In most cases, it describes a mature, feminine quality in behavior, appearance, or character.
Examples
- 1
Appearance
As she grew older, her face lost its girlish softness and became more womanly.
- 2
Literary description
The old novel describes her as quiet, gentle, and deeply womanly.
- Caution
womanly is somewhat old-fashioned and often reflects traditional ideas about women
- 3
Character trait
He admired her womanly patience in dealing with the children.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- womanly figure
- womanly grace
- womanly qualities
Word family
Explore
- femininity
- gender expression
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- womanlyadjectiveadverb