adj
ladylike
LAY-dee-lyk
adj
1
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 notesIn 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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She sat with her hands folded in a _____ manner.
Etymology
From "lady" plus the suffix "-like".