ladylike
[
ley
-dee-lahyk]
/ˈleɪ diˌlaɪk/
adjective
1.
like a
lady
.
2.
befitting a
lady
:
in a ladylike manner.
Origin
1580-90;
lady
+
-like
Related forms
ladylikeness,
noun
unladylike,
adjective
Synonyms
1, 2.
well-bred, well-mannered, courteous.
British Dictionary definitions for
ladylike
ladylike
/
ˈleɪdɪˌlaɪk
/
adjective
1.
like or befitting a lady in manners and bearing; refined and fastidious
2.
(
derogatory
) (of a man) effeminate
Derived Forms
ladylikeness,
noun
Word Origin and History for
ladylike
adj.
also
lady-like
, 1580s; see
lady
+
like
. Middle English had
ladily
"queenly, exalted" (late 14c.).