adjective
ladylike
LAY-dee-lyke/ˈleɪdilaɪk/
Having manners or appearance traditionally considered refined and feminine.
Her grandmother considers the simple dress and pearls perfectly ladylike.
Etymology
The household mistress came to be associated with high social rank; being “like” such a woman meant showing the refined, courteous manners expected of her.
In context
Beauvoir's critics, and feminism's critics, have often said that anger is not very ladylike. This is no bad thing.
More examples
- She crosses her ankles in a deliberately ladylike pose.
- The old etiquette guide describes quiet, polite speech as ladylike.
- Her aunt considers a small hat more ladylike than a baseball cap.
Forms
ladylike · more ladylike · most ladylike