maidenly
/'meidnli/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: 1. Characteristic of or befitting a maiden; modest, gentle, pure, or reserved in a way traditionally associated with a young, unmarried woman. - The word describes qualities like innocence, shyness, propriety, and a demure manner.
Usage
- Typical Contexts: Used to describe behavior, appearance, demeanor, or qualities that are considered traditionally proper, modest, or innocent for a young woman.
- Common Collocations: maidenly modesty, maidenly reserve, maidenly blush, maidenly demeanor, maidenly virtue.
Examples
- Adjective:
- She spoke with a maidenly reserve that charmed the older guests.
- He was touched by her maidenly innocence and kindness.
- The novel's heroine is portrayed with maidenly virtue and grace.
Advanced Usage
- Historical/Archaic Connotation: The term often carries a somewhat old-fashioned or literary connotation, reflecting traditional social norms about femininity and propriety.
- The portrait captured her maidenly beauty, a vision from a bygone era.
- Ironic or Critical Use: Can sometimes be used to subtly criticize behavior perceived as excessively or artificially demure.
- Her maidenly act didn't fool anyone who knew her true, spirited nature.
Variants and Related Words
- Maiden (n): A young unmarried woman, especially a virgin; a girl or young woman.
- The knight swore to protect the maiden.
- Maidenhood (n): The state or time of being a maiden; virginity.
- A story about a princess coming of age and leaving maidenhood behind.
Synonyms
- Demure: Reserved, modest, and shy.
- Modest: Unassuming in manner and appearance; decent.
- Virtuous: Having high moral standards (often with a connotation of chastity).
- Chaste: Abstaining from sexual activity; pure.
Antonyms
- Bold: Confident and courageous, often to the point of being presumptuous.
- Immodest: Lacking humility or decency.
- Wanton: (Archaic) Promiscuous or sexually unrestrained.
Adjective
- befitting or characteristic of a maiden
- a maidenly blush