mindmap root((女人)) female applies to plants and animals as well as persons and stresses the fact of sex: the more numerous ~ births as compared to male. feminine applies to qualities or attributes or attitudes characteristic of women and not shared by men: a ~ approach to a problem. womanly suggests the qualities of the mature woman, especially those qualities that make her effective as wife and mother or indicate the absence of mannish qualities: possessed all the ~ virtues. womanlike is more likely to suggest characteristically feminine faults and foibles: displayed a ~ rage at the slight. womanish is often used derogatorily in situations in which manliness might be naturally expected: shed ~ tears at his loss. effeminate emphasizes the softer and more delicate aspects of womanly nature and in its usual applications to men implies lack of virility or masculinity: a country grown weak and ~ on its wealth. ladylike suggests decorous propriety: all three were ~ and well brought-up girls.