Langimage
English

virginal

|vir/gi/nal|

C1

🇺🇸

/ˈvɜrdʒɪnəl/

🇬🇧

/ˈvɜːdʒɪnəl/

pure, untouched

Etymology
Etymology Information

'virginal' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'virginalis,' where 'virgo' meant 'virgin.'

Historical Evolution

'virginalis' transformed into the Old French word 'virginal,' and eventually became the modern English word 'virginal.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'pertaining to a virgin,' but over time it evolved to include the meaning of 'pure or untouched.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a small keyboard instrument of the harpsichord family, popular in the 16th and 17th centuries.

She played a beautiful melody on the virginal.

Synonyms

Adjective 1

relating to or characteristic of a virgin; pure, untouched, or unspoiled.

The landscape was virginal, untouched by human hands.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41