Meaning: Having qualities or characteristics traditionally associated with women, used of a man
Hindi: स्त्रैण
Synonyms: unmanly, delicate, soft, womanish
Antonyms: masculine, manly, virile
Asked in: SSC Steno 2026 T-1 · IB ACIO 2023 T-1
effeminate in SSC previous-year questions
- SSC Steno 2026 T-1 One Word Substitution
Choose the correct option to give a one-word substitution for the sentence given.
A grown-up man who is like a woman in his habits.Answer & explanation
Answer: A) Effeminate
Meaning: effeminate = (of a grown man) womanly in habits, manner or appearance *(स्त्रैण, जनाना)*.
Latin ex- (out of) + femina (woman) → *effeminatus*, "made womanish".
The clue carries two signals — a grown-up man, and womanly habits.
Exactly one English word holds both at once, and it is used only of an adult male.
Why the others are wrong.
• boyish = like a boy, youthful and playful *(बालसुलभ, लड़कों जैसा)* — it speaks of age, and the clue says the man is already grown up.
• girlish = like a girl, suited to a girl *(लड़कियों जैसा)* — used of a girl or a young woman, not of an adult man.
• cutie = an informal noun for an attractive person *(प्यारा-सा व्यक्ति)* — a noun, and it says nothing - IB ACIO 2023 T-1 Vocabulary
Select the option in which the word ‘effeminate’ is used correctly.
Answer & explanation
Answer: C) He is choosy about his party dress and spends a long time in front of the mirror – he is __effeminate__, in a way.
Explanation:
The word "effeminate" refers to a man or boy showing characteristics that are traditionally regarded as more typical of women (स्त्रैण; औरतों जैसे व्यवहार वाला पुरुष), such as excessive concern with appearance, delicacy, or gentleness.
• Option 1: Lethargic and grouchy are unrelated to being effeminate.
• Option 2: Refers to "effeminate" brothers, but using "though they are" is awkward and would typically need context showing negative implication; not a clear usage.
• Option 3: Being choosy about dress and spending a long time in front of the mirror is a stereotypical example of effeminate behavior in men. This is the correct, contextual usage.
• Option 4: "Condescending and bos
Examples
- “His effeminate mannerisms often drew unwanted comments.”
effeminate – questions
What is the meaning of effeminate in Hindi?
effeminate means “स्त्रैण” in Hindi. In English: Having qualities or characteristics traditionally associated with women, used of a man
What are the synonyms of effeminate?
Synonyms of effeminate: unmanly, delicate, soft, womanish.
What is the opposite of effeminate?
Antonyms of effeminate: masculine, manly, virile.
Has effeminate been asked in SSC exams?
Yes – effeminate has been asked 2 times in SSC exams: SSC Steno 2026 T-1, IB ACIO 2023 T-1.