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DictionaryRoot: -atus
Latin

-atus

having or having undergone something

Forms

  • -atus
  • -at- — The form used before further Latin endings.
  • -ate — An English development of the Latin ending.

Origin

Latin -atus was commonly formed from verbs ending in -are; it also formed descriptions from nouns.

Note

It can express either the result of an action or possession of a feature.

27 / 97
Man with traditionally feminine presentation.
adjective

effeminate

ih-FEM-uh-nut/ɪˈfemɪnət/

Having traits stereotypically associated with women, especially in a man.

Etymology
efLatinout, away; also thoroughly
+feminLatinwoman
+ateLatinhaving or having undergone something

The “woman” root underlies a Latin verb meaning “make a woman of.” The adjective applies that idea to qualities conventionally labeled feminine, especially in men, and is generally reproachful.

Full entry

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