Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
the-gentle-sex
Noun
/ðə ˈdʒɛntəl sɛks/
![](https://vocabdictionary.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/brand_identity-01.png)
Definition
A term historically used to refer to women, emphasizing their perceived delicate and refined nature.
![](https://vocabdictionary.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/migrate-02.png)
Examples
- In discussions about gender, some still refer to women as the gentle sex.
- The gentle sex is often celebrated for its nurturing qualities in literature and culture.
- Though outdated, the term ‘gentle sex’ reflects historical attitudes towards femininity.
![](https://vocabdictionary.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ux-02.png)
Meaning
The phrase ‘the gentle sex’ suggests qualities such as softness, tenderness, and grace, often attributed to women in contrast to the harsher attributes associated with men.
![](https://vocabdictionary.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/text-file-font.png)
Synonyms
- Women
- Females
- Fairer sex