The qualities or characteristics traditionally associated with being a woman, such as gentleness, grace, or nurturing behavior.
From Latin 'femininus' meaning 'of women,' derived from 'femina' meaning 'woman.' The suffix '-ity' makes it an abstract noun. The concept has evolved significantly—what cultures consider 'feminine' varies wildly across history and geography.
Here's what's wild: femininity isn't fixed! Medieval noble women were considered more feminine when they were pale (showing they didn't work outdoors), while ancient Greek women demonstrated femininity through housekeeping. Today it's completely different, which proves 'femininity' is invented by each culture, not biological.
19th–20th century prescriptive norms conflated femininity with passivity, docility, and ornamental value. Modern usage spans descriptive (gender expression) to prescriptive (limiting expectations), requiring context awareness.
Use descriptively when discussing gender identity or expression. Avoid prescriptive framing that limits or expects femininity universally.
["female identity","gender expression","feminine expression"]
Women's intellectual, athletic, and leadership capabilities were historically dismissed as 'unfeminine.' Reject definitions of femininity that erase women's full humanity.
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