What does ladylike mean?
Ladylike is an adjective meaning graceful, refined, or polite in a manner traditionally associated with women. It can describe a person's bearing, movements, clothing, manners, or decorative style, as in 'she moved across the room with ladylike grace.' The word is understood in British and American English, but its gendered associations make it more conspicuous than neutral descriptive alternatives such as graceful, poised, or refined. It may be used positively to evoke elegance and courtesy, especially in literary or historical contexts, while also sounding old-fashioned or patronizing when applied directly to a woman. The suffix '-like' means 'resembling,' and the word's meaning has developed from the older noun 'lady,' whose historical associations included social status and genteel behavior as well as femininity.
adjectiveResembling or behaving in a manner traditionally considered graceful, refined, or appropriate for a woman. It can describe a person's appearance, manners, or movements.
- Having an elegant, refined, or conventionally graceful appearance or manner.
- Behaving with courtesy, restraint, or politeness in a manner traditionally associated with women.
"She gave the performance with a ladylike poise that was entirely effortless."
"The tablecloth was decorated with a ladylike floral pattern."
"He was known for his ladylike manners and careful choice of words."
The word pairs the social expectations traditionally attached to women with the suffix '-like', turning an adjective into a culturally loaded description of manner or appearance.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ladylike come from?
Ladylike is formed from the noun 'lady' and the suffix '-like,' meaning 'resembling' or 'similar to.' The base word 'lady' comes through Old English hlǣfdīge, originally a term for a woman of high social rank, and the compound developed in the early 19th century. Related forms such as 'ladyhood' and 'ladyship' preserve the older social and personal associations of 'lady,' while 'ladylike' specifically emphasizes resemblance in manner or appearance.
Related word forms
How ladylike is actually used
The term is common in both British and American English. It is traditionally gendered and may suggest qualities culturally associated with femininity; in modern usage, it can sound old-fashioned, patronizing, or ironic when applied to women.
Easily confused with ladylike
Lady-like is a less common spelling with a hyphen, while ladylike is the standard modern closed form.