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Effeminate vs Cowardly - What's the difference?

effeminate | cowardly |

As adjectives the difference between effeminate and cowardly

is that effeminate is (often|derogatory|of a man or boy) having behaviour or mannerisms considered unmasculine or typical of a woman or girl; feminine while cowardly is showing cowardice; lacking in courage; basely or weakly fearful.

As a verb effeminate

is (archaic) to make womanly; to unman.

As an adverb cowardly is

in the manner of a coward.

effeminate

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • (often, derogatory, of a man or boy) Having behaviour or mannerisms considered unmasculine or typical of a woman or girl; feminine.
  • * Bishop Hurd
  • An effeminate and unmanly foppery.
  • (obsolete) womanly; tender
  • * Shakespeare
  • Gentle, kind, effeminate remorse.

    Synonyms

    * camp * swish

    Verb

    (effeminat)
  • (archaic) To make womanly; to unman.
  • * , Folio Society, 2006, vol.1, p.134:
  • the studie of sciences doth more weaken and effeminate mens minds, than corroborate and adapt them to warre.
  • * John Locke
  • It will not corrupt or effeminate children's minds.

    cowardly

    English

    Adverb

    (en adverb)
  • In the manner of a coward.
  • * , Folio Society, 2006, vol.1, p.48:
  • I love to follow them, but not so cowardly , as my life remaine thereby in subjection.

    Adjective

    (en-adj)
  • Showing cowardice; lacking in courage; basely or weakly fearful.
  • * Shakespeare
  • The cowardly rascals that ran from the battle.
  • * Burke
  • The cowardly rashness of those who dare not look danger in the face.