women - Master This Word
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women Word Meanings
- An adult female human being.
- A female person, typically distinguished from a girl.
- An individual of the sex that gives birth.
women Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
women Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈwʊmən/
US
/ˈwʊmən/
women Word Etymology
Root: 'wif' (woman) + 'man' (human). Historical origin: Old English 'wifman', a combination of 'wif' (wife) and 'man' (person). Memory image: Picture a strong, confident woman standing tall, representing both nurturing and strength.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
On a crowded street, you move closer as a woman crosses ahead. You set your pace to match hers, feeling the rhythm of the crowd tug you along and then let you breathe again. A small shift—you hold the door, she nods, and you both ease into a smoother moment. Through that ordinary exchange, the word becomes a lived thing: a grown woman you respect as a real person, not a label.
Real Context
woman is a noun for an adult female human. It marks adulthood and social identity, distinct from 'girl' which refers to a female child or young person. In everyday English, 'woman' often appears in contexts about roles, professions, or personal characteristics, such as a working woman or a woman in science. The word can pair with adjectives like strong, independent, or nurturing, but tone matters: 'woman' is neutral in formal writing, while 'lady' can add politeness in speech. Related terms include wife, mother, or female, but 'woman' focuses on gender rather than marital status. Learners should avoid stereotypes and recognize that a woman, like any person, has diverse experiences.
Usage Reminders
- - Use 'woman' for an adult female; use 'girl' for a female child.
- - Plural is 'women'.
- - Common collocations: working woman, woman in science, a strong woman.
- - Be mindful of stereotypes when describing a person.
- - In formal writing, 'woman' is neutral; 'lady' can be polite in speech.
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking 'woman' means only a wife or mother.
- Using 'woman' to refer to a girl or child.
- Confusing 'woman' with 'female' in all contexts.
- Assuming 'woman' always implies gendered stereotypes.
- Mistaking 'lady' as always more appropriate than 'woman'.
Thinking Differences
English often marks adulthood explicitly with 'woman' separate from 'girl', while many languages encode age or social status differently. Learners may default to translating 'woman' as 'female' or use 'lady' in formal or casual ways without nuance.
Learning Tips
- Learn core collocations: working woman, woman in science, strong woman.
- Practice plural: women (pronounce /ˈwɪmɪn/).
- Differentiate woman from girl in age-based contexts.
- Be mindful of politeness: 'lady' vs 'woman' in speech.
- Recognize gender-neutral or respectful uses in formal writing.
- Compare with related terms: female, wife, mother to avoid mix-ups.
Related Listening
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