feminine

modif.

1. Belonging to the feminine sex

   female, distaff, pistillate; see female 2.

2. Having qualities stereotypically associated with women

   soft, womanly, delicate, gentle, ladylike, female, matronly, maidenly, sensitive, tender, womanish, graceful, changeable, fair, fluttering, shy, yielding, passive, vixenish, effeminate, unmanly; see also dainty 1, refined 2, womanly.

   Antonyms masculine, mainly, virile.

feminine refers to qualities, other than those basically biological, thought to be characteristic of or suitable to women, as delicacy, gentleness, etc.; female is the basic term applied to members of the sex that is biologically distinguished from the male sex and is used of animals or plants as well as of human beings; womanly suggests the generally desirable qualities one associates with a woman, esp. one who has maturity of character; womanish, in contrast, suggests weaknesses and faults that are sometimes regarded as characteristic of women; effeminate, used chiefly in reference to a man, implies delicacy, softness, or lack of virility; ladylike refers to manners, conduct, etc. such as are expected from a refined or well-bred woman