adj

ladylike

LAY-dee-lyk

Ladylike (adj) means behaving or appearing in a refined, polite, feminine way traditionally expected of a well-mannered woman. Example: “She sat with her hands folded in a ladylike manner.”

adj

Behaving or appearing in a refined, polite, feminine way traditionally expected of a well-mannered woman.

"She sat with her hands folded in a ladylike manner."

"His grandmother always insisted on ladylike behaviour at the dinner table."

How to use ladylike

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishPolite, graceful, and proper in a traditionally feminine way.

When to use it

A somewhat old-fashioned word — modern writing often avoids it because it implies a narrow standard of how women "should" behave.

Word forms

more ladylike comparative, more ladylike comparative, most ladylike superlative, most ladylike superlative

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Fill the gap

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She sat with her hands folded in a _____ manner.

Etymology

From "lady" plus the suffix "-like".

Rhymes for ladylike

Ike bike mike Nike like dike hike pike alike spike strike unlike

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Frequently asked questions

What does “ladylike” mean?

The word “ladylike” means behaving or appearing in a refined, polite, feminine way traditionally expected of a well-mannered woman. In plain terms, polite, graceful, and proper in a traditionally feminine way.

How do you pronounce “ladylike”?

“Ladylike” is pronounced LAY-dee-lyk (/ˈleɪ.di.laɪ̯k/ in IPA).

How do you use “ladylike” in a sentence?

Here is “ladylike” used in a sentence: “She sat with her hands folded in a ladylike manner.”

What part of speech is “ladylike”?

“Ladylike” is an adjective.