Reading Theme:
Feminism: Definition, Usage & Core Principles (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：women's rights movement (feminism)
feminism
/ˈfem.ɪ.nɪ.zəm/
n.
A social movement where people work together to get equal rights and chances for women, like in jobs, education, and politics.
women's rights movement
➕
/ˈwɪm.ɪnz raɪts ˈmuːv.mənt/
n.
A collective social and political movement dedicated to achieving equal rights and opportunities for women across various spheres of society.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'femina' (woman) + '-ism' (doctrine/movement).
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'FEM' for female and '-ISM' for a movement. It's the movement for female equality.
📖 Example
Through the feminism movement, women gained the right to vote in many countries.
The collective action of feminism secured voting rights for women.
🔗 Collocations
wave of feminism – A distinct period in the history of the feminist movement.
feminist movement – The organized effort to advance women's rights.
intersectional feminism – A branch of feminism that examines how overlapping social identities affect discrimination.
🔄 Synonyms
women's liberation (n.) – The movement seeking to free women from social and legal constraints.
gender equality (n.) – The state of equal access to resources and opportunities regardless of gender.
women's rights (n.) – The entitlements and freedoms claimed for women and girls.
🚫 Antonyms
misogyny (n.) – Dislike of, contempt for, or ingrained prejudice against women.
patriarchy (n.) – A system of society or government in which men hold the power.
sexism (n.) – Prejudice, stereotyping, or discrimination based on a person's sex or gender.
🌱 Derivatives
feminist (n./adj.) – A person who supports feminism; relating to feminism.
feministic (adj.) – Relating to or characteristic of feminism.
feminize (v.) – To make something more feminine or to increase the participation of women.
📖 Cultural Story
The term 'feminism' emerged in the late 19th century from French 'féminisme', itself from Latin 'femina'. It gained prominence through waves of activism: first-wave for suffrage, second-wave for broader rights, and third-wave emphasizing intersectionality.
Meaning 2：belief in gender equality (feminism)
feminism
/ˈfem.ɪ.nɪ.zəm/
n.
A personal belief or idea that men and women should be treated as equals in all parts of life, like at home and at work.
belief in gender equality
➕
/bɪˈliːf ɪn ˈdʒen.dər iˈkwɒl.ə.ti/
n.
A personal conviction or ideology that supports the principle of equal rights, status, and opportunities for all genders.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Her strong belief in feminism influenced her choice to study engineering, a field traditionally dominated by men.
Her personal commitment to feminism led her to challenge gender norms in her career.
🔗 Collocations
commitment to feminism – A personal dedication to the principles of gender equality.
feminist perspective – A viewpoint informed by feminist principles.
feminist theory – The body of academic work analyzing gender inequality.
🔄 Synonyms
egalitarianism (n.) – The doctrine that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities.
gender parity (n.) – The state of being equal, especially regarding status and pay.
equity (n.) – Fairness and justice in the way people are treated.
🚫 Antonyms
chauvinism (n.) – Exaggerated or aggressive patriotism; belief in the superiority of one's own group.
traditionalism (n.) – The upholding of tradition, especially so as to resist change.
Wordbook
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