1. Woman (noun): An adult human female.
2. Woman (noun): A female person associated with a particular role, occupation, or characteristic.
3. Woman (noun): The female sex, collectively.
The term "woman" is a fundamental word in the English language, encompassing biological, social, and cultural dimensions. It is used universally to identify adult human females and is central to discussions about gender, identity, and society.
The word "woman" represents multiple facets of identity, biology, and culture. Below are its primary definitions and their significance.
As a noun, "woman" denotes an adult human female, distinguishing it from the terms "girl" (referring to a child) and "man" (an adult male).
The term is also used to describe a female person associated with a specific role, characteristic, or occupation, such as "businesswoman" or "sportswoman."
In a collective sense, "woman" refers to the female sex as a group, often used in sociological or biological discussions.
The word "woman" is primarily a noun. Its plural form is "women," pronounced differently (/ˈwɪmɪn/). While the word itself functions solely as a noun, it is often used as a base in compound words like "womanhood" or "womanly."
The word "woman" is pronounced as "WUHM-uhn," comprising two syllables that flow together smoothly. The emphasis is placed on the first syllable "WUHM," which sounds similar to the word "dumb" without the initial 'd,' while the second syllable "uhn" is brief and soft. When pronouncing "woman," focus on a clear, strong start with the "WUHM" sound followed by a gentle transition into the concluding "uhn" to maintain natural rhythm and clarity.
Phonetic Pronunciation: /ˈwʊm.ən/
Understanding synonyms of "woman" enhances vocabulary and provides nuanced alternatives for various contexts.
Antonyms of "woman" reflect contrasting identities or sexes, such as "man" or "boy."
Using "woman" in sentences illustrates its versatility and various contexts. Here are ten examples:
1. The woman at the front desk helped me check into the hotel.
2. She is a woman of remarkable strength and resilience.
3. The young woman aspired to become a scientist.
4. They hired a woman to lead the new marketing campaign.
5. In her culture, a woman is highly respected for her wisdom and guidance.
6. The rights of every woman should be protected under the law.
7. A woman walked into the room carrying a bouquet of flowers.
8. As the first elected president, she was a trailblazing woman in politics.
9. The painting depicted a serene woman standing by a lake.
10. The woman was celebrated for her contributions to the community.
The frequency of use of the word "woman" can vary depending on the context and medium of communication. According to Google's Ngram Viewer, which tracks the frequency of words in books, the usage of "woman" has been consistently prevalent in literary and academic works since the 1800s, with noticeable peaks during periods marked by significant social change.
While "woman" itself is standard, several variants and related terms are used in different contexts.
1. Women (plural): Refers to more than one adult female.
2. Womanhood: Refers to the state or condition of being a woman.
3. Womanly: Describes characteristics traditionally associated with women.
Exploring related terms provides a broader understanding of gender, identity, and roles.
1. Feminine
2. Lady
3. Mother
4. Sister
5. Wife
6. Daughter
7. Girlfriend
8. Female
9. Aunt
10. Matriarch
The word "woman" traces its origins to Old English, where it was originally rendered as "wīfmann," a compound of "wīf," meaning wife or female, and "mann," meaning person. This early form, which literally meant "female person," is well documented in medieval texts and legal records. As the language evolved into Middle English, the term underwent phonetic and orthographic changes that gradually shaped it into the modern word we use today.
Several derivatives and compounds expand the application of "woman" in language.
1. Womanhood: The qualities or state of being a woman.
2. Businesswoman: A woman engaged in business.
3. Sportswoman: A woman who participates in sports.
Common misspellings of "woman" may arise from typographical errors or confusion with its plural form.
1. Womam
2. Womon
3. Women (incorrect use in singular contexts)
Idioms related to "woman" often reflect characteristics, roles, or cultural perceptions of women.
1. A woman of substance
2. The fairer sex
3. A woman’s touch
4. Behind every great man is a great woman
5. A woman’s place
6. A woman of her word
7. Every woman for herself
8. Like a woman possessed
9. A force of nature
10. A woman of the world
Here are some commonly asked questions about "woman":
1. What does "woman" mean?
"Woman" refers to an adult human female.
2. What is the plural of "woman"?
The plural of "woman" is "women."
3. How is "woman" different from "lady"?
"Lady" is often more formal and can imply elegance or respect, whereas "woman" is neutral and general.
4. How is "woman" used in compound words?
It appears in words like "businesswoman," "sportswoman," and "womanhood."
5. What is "womanhood"?
"Womanhood" refers to the qualities or state of being a woman.
6. What is the origin of the word "woman"?
It originates from Old English wīfmann, meaning "female human."
7. Can "woman" be used figuratively?
Yes, it can symbolize traits like strength, nurturing, or femininity.
8. What is the adjective form of "woman"?
"Womanly" is the adjective form describing characteristics associated with women.
9. What does "the women" mean in collective terms?
It refers to the female group or collective in a particular context.
10. Can "woman" refer to gender identity?
Yes, it can refer to an individual’s gender identity beyond biological sex.
A "woman" is an adult human female, encompassing roles, characteristics, and identity. Understanding the word enriches discussions about gender, culture, and society. Explore other word definitions to deepen your linguistic knowledge.
