feminizing
|fe-mi-niz-ing|
/ˈfɛmɪnaɪz/
(feminize)
make female / make feminine
Etymology
'feminize' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'fēmina', where 'fēmina' meant 'woman'. The suffix '-ize' comes from Greek '-izein' via Old French/French '-iser', meaning 'to make or to cause to be'.
'feminize' entered English from French 'féminiser' (formed from Latin 'fēmina' + suffix '-izare') and developed into the modern English verb 'feminize'.
Initially it meant 'to make female or give female qualities', and over time it has largely retained that core meaning while expanding to cultural and institutional senses (for example, 'feminizing language' or 'feminizing professions').
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act or process of making something feminine; the state of becoming more feminine (often used for social, cultural, or biological contexts).
The feminizing of certain professions has changed public perceptions of those jobs.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 1
to make female in form, nature, character, or style; to give feminine characteristics to.
Critics argued that certain policies were feminizing the workforce by emphasizing caring roles.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
causing or associated with becoming more feminine; imparting feminine qualities.
They noted a feminizing trend in language, with more terms adopting female forms.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/25 21:33